Juventus and Inter Milan secured hard-fought victories in midweek. In the first half of the season, these sides delivered a thrilling 4:4 draw, but this time, both Thiago Motta and Filippo Inzaghi will prioritise securing a result over spectacle.
A win over PSV Eindhoven (2:1) in the Europa League marked Juventus’ third consecutive victory—their longest winning streak of the season. However, defensive frailties remain a concern. In February alone, they conceded 2.70 xGA over 270 minutes, an alarming stat ahead of a match against the league’s most clinical attack. The absence of injured defenders Pierre Kalulu and Andrea Cambiaso forces Thiago Motta to field Timothy Weah as a makeshift full-back, a vulnerability Inter Milan will undoubtedly look to exploit.
Inter Milan responded well to their shock defeat to Fiorentina (0:4) last week by beating the same opponent 2:1 at the Giuseppe Meazza on Monday. They remain Serie A’s most effective attacking side with 51.50 xG and 58 goals scored, while they also boast the league’s best away record: most points (27), most goals scored (30), fewest goals conceded (9). Even without the injured Marcus Thuram, Inter Milan have plenty of firepower and tactical flexibility to create chances.
Juventus have not beaten Inter Milan in their last five meetings, and with their defensive issues, they are unlikely to end that streak here. Inter Milan’s superior attacking efficiency and away form give them the edge.
