The stakes in the Derby d’Italia have significantly risen after yesterday’s draws involving Lazio, Napoli, Atalanta, and Cagliari. Inter has the chance to overtake Napoli and finally claim the top spot in Serie A this season, while Juventus could catch up to Lazio and move within five points of Atalanta in third place. The reverse fixture between Inter and Juventus was arguably the most spectacular match of the Serie A season. Not just because of the dramatic 4-4 scoreline, but also due to the breathtaking attacking play, inspired moments, and defensive blunders that added spice to the game. Inter led 4-2 and had multiple chances to put Juventus away, but missed opportunities allowed Yildiz to turn the match around. Had the game lasted a few minutes longer, Thiago Motta’s side might have even snatched a win.Juventus 🆚 Inter’s all-time results 🔵🔥 pic.twitter.com/pO7cfYAaaC— OneFootball (@OneFootball) February 16, 2025 Juventus boasts an incredible record at home against Inter. In the last 11 years, they have lost only once to their arch-rivals in Turin, winning seven times and drawing three. Since moving into their new stadium, the Bianconeri have only suffered two defeats to the Nerazzurri. Moreover, Juve is the only Serie A team yet to lose at home this season. On the other hand, Inter boasts the league’s best attack and defense in away matches. The Nerazzurri have scored 30 goals on the road while conceding just nine—five of which came in their first and most recent away games against Genoa and Fiorentina.Randal Goalo MuaniRandal Kolo Muani has been on fire since arriving in Serie A, becoming the first player in 30 years to score five goals in his first three league matches. Though he failed to score against PSV Eindhoven last Tuesday, he now has the chance to match Roberto Baggio’s record as the only Juventus player to find the net in each of his first four appearances for the club. Lautaro Martinez, after a slow start to the season, has kicked into high gear in 2025. He has already netted eight goals across all competitions this year, reaching nine goals in Serie A. Tonight, he could become the first foreign Inter player to score 10+ goals in six consecutive seasons.Inter close in on Napoli after Viola winOptimism is high in the Juventus camp ahead of the clash. Thiago Motta recently took his entire squad and staff out for dinner—on his own tab—to foster team unity. In business terms, it was a classic “team-building” exercise. Juventus has also found momentum, winning three consecutive matches in Serie A and the Champions League for the first time this season. However, two of those victories came in the dying moments—against Como and PSV—while the 4-1 scoreline against Empoli masks the fact that Juve only secured the win deep into stoppage time. These games suggest a shift in mentality from the first half of the season, when similar matches often ended in frustrating draws.Should Arteta be on alert? Vlahović is availableInter, meanwhile, narrowly defeated Fiorentina last Monday despite struggling throughout the match. With Dumfries and Dimarco unavailable, Thuram injured early, and both Çalhanoğlu and Mkhitaryan out of form, the Nerazzurri were on the ropes. The relief on Simone Inzaghi’s face at the final whistle said it all. Crucially, this past week has given Inter a rare opportunity to rest and prepare without the pressure of midweek fixtures. While Juventus must also focus on their upcoming Champions League clash with PSV, Inter’s next match isn’t until next weekend against Genoa. This means the Nerazzurri can afford to go all-out at the Allianz Stadium tonight.Juve frustrates Inter in an eight-goals thrillerBoth sides will rely on their star forwards. Kolo Muani has completely pushed Dušan Vlahović out of Juventus’ starting lineup. Unlike the Serbian striker, the Frenchman has full backing from Thiago Motta and Cristiano Giuntoli, sending a clear signal that Vlahović’s time in Turin may be coming to an end—especially with his 12.5 million salary. For Inter, Lautaro Martinez’s resurgence has come at the perfect time. With Thuram struggling for form and fitness, Çalhanoğlu and Mkhitaryan slowing down, and Dimarco suffering from inconsistency, Lautaro is the team’s biggest hope. Backup options like Taremi, Asllani, Frattesi, Carlos Augusto, and Zielinski haven’t delivered as expected. Juventus will be missing Luiz and Kalulu, while Inter has a full squad available. Dumfries has served his suspension, Dimarco has recovered from illness, and despite a swollen ankle, Thuram is determined to play at all costs. However, Inzaghi is expected to start him on the bench to avoid unnecessary risks. With the Serie A title race heating up, tonight’s clash in Turin promises to be a defining moment for both clubs.SERIE A – MATCHDAY 25Friday Bologna – Torino 3-2 (1-1)/Ndoye 20, 70 pen, Biraghi 90 og – Vlasic 37, Elmas 65/Saturday Atalanta – Cagliari 0-0Lazio – Napoli 2-2 (1-1)/Isaksen 6, Dia 87 – Raspadori 13, Marusic 64 og/Milan – Verona 1-0 (0-0)/Gimenez 75/Sunday 14.30: (2.00) Fiorentina (3.60) Como (4.10)17.00: (2.75) Monza (2.95) Lecce (2.85)17.00: (1.82) Udinese (3.50) Empoli (4.60)20.00: (3.80) Parma (3.60) Roma (2.05)22.45: (3.35) Juventus (3.30) Inter (2.35)Monday 22.45: (1.95) Genoa (3.40) Venezia (4.10)***odds are subject to change***
