The latest Derby d’Italia saw Juventus and Inter Milan battle it out in a tense encounter that ultimately ended in a 1-0 victory for the Bianconeri. But beyond the scoreline, individual performances often tell a richer story. Let’s delve into a detailed player ratings analysis for both Juventus and Inter Milan, dissecting the tactical nuances that shaped this captivating clash.
Juventus and Inter Milan players clash during the Derby d’Italia
Juventus Player Ratings: Defensive Solidity Lays the Foundation
Juventus’ success in this match stemmed from a rock-solid defensive display.
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Wojciech Szczęsny (7/10): A calming presence throughout, Szczęsny confidently dealt with Inter’s limited attempts on goal. His distribution was efficient, initiating attacks from the back.
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Danilo (8/10): A captain’s performance. Danilo was a defensive wall on the right flank, thwarting Inter’s advances with well-timed tackles and interceptions. His experience shone through.
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Bremer (7.5/10): Solid and dependable, Bremer kept Lukaku relatively quiet. He won crucial aerial duels and showed composure on the ball.
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Alex Sandro (7/10): While not as flashy as his defensive partners, Sandro put in a disciplined shift, minimizing errors and contributing to Juventus’ clean sheet.
Manuel Locatelli dictates play for Juventus
Midfield Battleground: Locatelli Orchestrates with Finesse
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Manuel Locatelli (8.5/10): The heartbeat of Juventus’ midfield. Locatelli dictated the tempo, broke up Inter’s play with interceptions, and initiated attacks with his intelligent passing range.
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Adrien Rabiot (7/10): A tireless runner, Rabiot covered every blade of grass, providing defensive cover and supporting attacks. His energy was crucial in stifling Inter’s midfield.
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Nicolò Fagioli (6.5/10): A relatively quiet performance from the young midfielder. While he showed glimpses of his potential, he was eventually substituted as Allegri opted for more experience.
Attacking Threat: Individual Brilliance Carries the Day
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Juan Cuadrado (6/10): Not his most influential performance. Cuadrado’s usual attacking flair was limited, but he remained a threat with his pace and direct running.
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Filip Kostić (7.5/10): A constant menace down the left flank. Kostić delivered dangerous crosses into the box and linked up well with his teammates. He was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
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Dušan Vlahović (7/10): Worked tirelessly up front, holding the ball up effectively and bringing others into play. While he didn’t score, his movement created space for his teammates.
Inter Milan Player Ratings: A Night of Frustration
Inter Milan struggled to find their rhythm against a well-organized Juventus defense.
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Samir Handanovič (6/10): Could do little about the goal he conceded. Otherwise, he was rarely tested.
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Milan Škriniar (6.5/10): A typically solid performance from Škriniar, who made important clearances and interceptions. He was left exposed on occasion by his teammates.
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Stefan de Vrij (6/10): Struggled to cope with the movement of Juventus’ attackers, particularly Vlahović.
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Federico Dimarco (6.5/10): Offered an outlet on the left flank with his overlapping runs, but his crosses lacked their usual precision.
Inter Milan players struggle to break down Juventus’ organized defense
Midfield Disconnect Hinders Creativity
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Hakan Çalhanoğlu (6/10): Unable to exert his usual influence on the game. Çalhanoğlu’s passing lanes were effectively shut down by Juventus’ midfield.
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Nicolò Barella (7/10): One of Inter’s brighter sparks. Barella showed his tenacity and quality on the ball, but he lacked support from his teammates.
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Henrikh Mkhitaryan (6/10): A subdued display from the Armenian midfielder. He struggled to find space between the lines and was replaced in the second half.
Attacking Trio Lacked Cutting Edge
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Denzel Dumfries (5.5/10): A frustrating night for the Dutchman. Dumfries’ attacking threat was nullified by Juventus’ defense, and he was often caught out of position.
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Lautaro Martínez (6/10): Worked hard but received limited service. Martínez was starved of clear-cut chances.
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Romelu Lukaku (5.5/10): A disappointing return to Turin for Lukaku. He was well marshaled by Juventus’ center-backs and cut a frustrated figure throughout.
Conclusion: Tactical Masterclass Secures Juventus Victory
Juventus’ 1-0 win over Inter Milan was a testament to their tactical discipline and defensive resilience. While Inter Milan enjoyed periods of possession, they lacked the cutting edge to break down a well-drilled Juventus side. The individual brilliance of players like Locatelli and the defensive solidity of Danilo proved to be the difference-maker in this captivating Derby d’Italia.