The Derby d`Italia rarely disappoints, but even by its own dramatic standards, the recent 4-3 clash between Juventus and Inter Milan was an absolute spectacle. A rollercoaster of emotions, tactical gambles, and individual heroics, it ultimately saw the Bianconeri emerge victorious in a game that football purists will discuss for seasons to come. Forget mere three points; this was a statement.
A Tempestuous Start in Turin
From the first whistle, it was clear this would not be a cagey affair. While Inter initially seemed to command the tempo, probing Juventus`s defense, it was the hosts who struck first, defying the early narrative. In the 14th minute, a moment of unexpected brilliance – or perhaps, collective defensive slumber – saw Juventus`s defender Kelly unleash a left-footed strike that found its way past Inter`s goalkeeper, Yann Sommer. It was a goal that seemed to catch everyone by surprise, not least Kelly himself, marking him as only the second Englishman to score in this storied fixture in Serie A. The build-up, a long leg from Bremer following a Locatelli ball, highlighted Juve`s direct intent, taking advantage of Inter`s Akanji and Dumfries being slightly out of position. Inter, under manager Chivu, had indeed started with promise, Barella narrowly missing an early opener, but the scoreboard told a different, albeit early, story.
The Turkish Tango: Calhanoglu`s Brilliance Meets Yildiz`s Resolve
The match quickly evolved into a captivating exchange of blows, particularly featuring two Turkish maestros. Juventus`s young sensation, Kenan Yildiz, was a constant threat, often outshining Inter`s usually prolific Lautaro Martinez, who appeared subdued. But it was Inter`s Hakan Calhanoglu who truly took center stage, refusing to let his side fall behind. After a beautiful combination involving Yildiz and Vlahovic was thwarted by Akanji, Calhanoglu responded emphatically. His first goal, a composed finish around the half-hour mark, followed an assist from Carlos Augusto, leveling the score and underscoring his pivotal role in Inter`s midfield. Just when Juventus thought they had regained control through Yildiz`s third career goal against Inter – a remarkable statistic given his nascent career – Calhanoglu delivered another masterclass. His second, a sublime chest trap followed by a right-footed volley, was a moment of pure individual genius that left the Stadium stunned. It wasn`t an “impeccable” performance overall from him, but his impact was undeniable, aided by a decisive assist from substitute Zielinski.
Brothers in Arms (and Opposition): The Thuram Showdown
As the game entered its frantic final quarter, the score sat at 2-2, but the drama was far from over. Inter briefly seized the lead in the 76th minute, a moment that encapsulated both their attacking prowess and Juventus`s defensive vulnerabilities. From a Dimarco corner, Marcus Thuram rose highest, outmuscling Kalulu and Cabal to head home. The away section erupted, while Marcus, perhaps out of respect for his family`s Juventus ties (father Lilian Thuram watched from the stands), kept his celebrations muted. However, the lead was as fleeting as a summer breeze. Just six minutes later, the narrative twisted again. A precise free-kick from Yildiz found the head of none other than Khephren Thuram, Marcus`s younger brother, who also beat Sommer. It was 3-3, a testament to the sheer chaos and an ironic family showdown that added an extra layer of intrigue. Goalkeepers, on both sides, found themselves under the harsh glare of the spotlight throughout this goal-fest, suggesting a need for some urgent introspection.
Adzic`s Golden Moment: A Youngster Seals the Derby
With the clock winding down and the score locked at 3-3, the match felt destined for a draw, a reflection of the evenly matched, if at times defensively suspect, performances. But Juventus manager Tudor, whose substitutions had been a subject of much debate in the comments section (some questioning his initial choices, others praising his late-game adjustments), had one final, decisive card to play. The youngest player on the pitch, 19-year-old Adzic, who had come on in the 74th minute, was about to write his name into Derby d`Italia folklore. Inspired by an assist from Khephren Thuram, Adzic delivered a “perla”—a gem of a goal—from distance, securing a breathtaking 4-3 victory for Juventus. It was a goal that encapsulated the unpredictable nature of football, demonstrating how a single moment of individual brilliance can decide the most high-stakes encounters.
Implications: Juventus Soars, Inter Ponders
This pulsating victory sees Juventus maintain a perfect record, a testament to their resilience and ability to snatch wins even when their overall “game” might be under scrutiny. For Inter, however, the defeat leaves them “stuck at 3 points” early in the season, raising serious questions about their defensive solidity and the tactical decisions of manager Chivu. The sheer volume of goals, coupled with what some commentators described as “possesso palla fine a se stesso” (ball possession for its own sake) from Inter, suggests a fundamental imbalance. While individual talents like Calhanoglu shone, the team`s inability to hold a lead, particularly after Marcus Thuram`s goal, points to deeper issues. The Derby d`Italia has once again delivered an unforgettable chapter, leaving one team celebrating a dramatic triumph and the other with a challenging road ahead for tactical and psychological recalibration.
Gilbert Pendleton