Juventus v Inter Milan – Preview, Predictions, And Best Bets

Juventus host Inter Milan at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday evening . Max Allegri’s side sits seventh on the table, 10 points off log leaders Napoli. Inter Milan are just two points better off and have been beaten four times in Serie A this season already. This is a crucial match for both teams and a defeat could see Allegri come under even pressure from supporters.

Juventus Form

It’s been a very poor season for Juventus so far in Serie A and the Champions League. In Europe, they lost five of their six group matches but still somehow snuck into third place to drop into the Europa League. In midweek, they were beaten 2-1 at home by PSG.

In the league, the Old Lady started badly with just three wins in nine matches. They lost 1-0 at Monza and 2-0 at AC Milan. Since those defeats in rounds seven and nine, they’ve found some improved league form. Juve have won three in a row in Serie A: 1-0 at Torino, 4-0 vs Empoli, and 1-0 at Lecce last time out.

Juventus Team News

Max Allegri has an injury crisis on his hands. In midfield, Weston McKennie is ruled out and Leandro Paredes is a serious doubt, joining Paul Pogba on the sidelines. With Bremer still out at centre-back and Daniele Rugani not fully trusted, it could mean another start for Federico Gatti.

Max Allegri has an injury crisis on his hands. In midfield, Weston McKennie is ruled out and Leandro Paredes is a serious doubt, joining Paul Pogba on the sidelines. With Bremer still out at centre-back and Daniele Rugani not fully trusted, it could mean another start for Federico Gatti.

Juventus Motivation

Juve need a win from this match. Allegri doesn’t play exciting football and could again use a back five out of possession as he went for against PSG.

A draw isn’t a disaster but it could mean they fell even further behind Napoli in the title race. At no point is Allegri expected to open up and leave his side exposed defensively, even if trailing.

Inter Form

Inter have again struggled to compete on two front this season. Unlike in previous years, they’ve done well in the UEFA Champions League by finishing second in their group. In Serie A, they lost four of their first eight fixtures albeit three of those losses came versus Lazio, AC Milan, and Roma. 

Simone Inzaghi’s side have won four in a row now in the league, starting with a 2-1 win at Sassuolo. A solid 2-0 home win against Salernitana followed before a 4-3 thriller was won at Fiorentina thanks to a last-minute winner. Prior to their 2-0 midweek defeat to Bayern Munich in a dead rubber, they cruised past Sampdoria 3-0 at home.

Inter Team News

Inzaghi continues to be without Romelu Lukaku, who has had an injury nightmare so far this season. Joaquin Correa returned from a knock to start in midweek and is competing with Edin Dzeko to partner Lautaro Martinez up front.

Key midfielder Marcelo Brozovic is still absent so Nico Barella could play as the deepest midfielder in the 3-5-2 shape. Several players were rested in midweek or only played 60 minutes so Inzaghi has plenty of fresh legs.

Inter Motivation

Inter rested players in midweek with an eye on this fixture. A victory is needed to close the gap to the top and even the top four places after their poor start to the season.

Even on the road, Internazionale could dominate possession. If Mkhitaryan and Çalhanoğlu are selected as two of the midfield three, then you know Inzaghi intends to attack.

Key Stats

Juventus have won 3 Serie A matches in a row

Juve has lost just 1 of their last 18 home Serie A matches

Juve have drawn 4 of their last 9 matches at home (Serie A)

Inter have won their last 4 Serie A matches

Inter have lost 3 of their last 5 away matches in Serie A

Inter’s last 10 Serie A matches have seen Both Teams to Score Yes

Verdict

Both of these sides started the league season poorly but have hit some fine form in recent weeks, at least in Serie A. Juve are very tough to beat at home whilst Inter’s away matches usually see them score and concede plenty of goals. With injuries in the attack, it’s not clear how much threat the Old Lady will carry, though.