The Coppa Italia is set to resume tomorrow, as fierce rivals Inter and Juventus set to lock horns. A two legged matchup will decide which of the clubs will meet Atalanta/Napoli in this season’s final, with the second leg to come next week. It’s Inter Milan Vs Juventus – Derby D’Italia Semi Final.
Match Preview
The last time these 2 clubs met in Serie A, it was Inter who came out on top beating Juventus 2-0. However, the coppa games have always a different flavor, especially in the final stages. Let’s take a closer look on how both teams are playing lately and what to expect from this derby.
Inter Milan
Inter comes into this game on the back of a 4-0 win over Filippo Inzaghi’s Benevento yesterday in Serie A. Despite an unexpected defeat to Sampdoria and 2 frustrating draws lately in the league, the Nerazzurri remain in 2nd place and just 2 points away from top spot.
In addition to being undefeated in their last 4 games, Inter sealed their qualification to the semis in the most explosive way. Winning the derby della madonnina in the dying minutes, with a sublime free kick, to qualify over arch rivals AC Milan. What more can Inter fans want?
Almost 10 years since Inter won their last coppa d’Italia, Conte will be looking to take a closer step for their 1st silverware this season. Also, Inter will not give up the scudetto just yet, with plenty of games still to play, the Nerazzuri will hope to achieve their first domestic double since the Mourinho era.
Juventus
On the other hand, despite facing a defeat against Inter in the league, the Bianconeri were on a hot streak. To be more clear, this defeat was Juventus’ first since the new year. This run elevated Pirlo’s men to 4th place, just 7 points away from top spot with a game in hand. A solid performance from Juventus last week saw them dominate Sampdoria with a 2-0 away win.
The Coppa road for Pirlo was somehow “easier” to manage than Conte’s. Juve cruised past Spal while resting some key players. Juventus fans will sure hope Pirlo learned from the 2-0 defeat in the league, as they seek revenge in the coppa by knocking Inter out and advance to the final. Although this is a 2 legged game, football calculation might affect the results. However, the goal remains the same, advance to the FINAL.
Team News
Inter Milan Vs Juventus – Derby D’Italia Semi Final. What to expect?
Both teams will be going toe to toe in this encounter. Conte will hope to recreate the 2-0 performance and seal a win in the San Siro, while Pirlo should be more prepared and hopefully learned from the defeat last time, as he will be looking to take a positive result to the 2nd leg.
However, some major team absences will affect Inter badly. Lukaku was handed a one match suspension due to his fallout with Ibra in the quarter finals. In addition, Achraf Hakimi, an integral part of Conte’s team this year both on offense and defense, must also serve a ban. How will Conte fill these voids? Most logical solutions will be Sanchez and Darmian, as they are both the natural replacements for Lukaku and Hakimi. However, we shall wait and see the kind of plan the Nerrazuri will implement.
Meanwhile, Pirlo’s main absentee will be Dybala as the Argentinian is still nursing an injury. Besides that, the team looks full and ready to go. Pirlo will most probably give veteran keeper Buffon another start in the coppa, while keeping Szczesny on the bench and might also start De Ligt in place of Chiellini.
Match Prediction
Although the game itself promises to be an exciting one, and due to some major team news that could affect the outcome, we assume that both teams will be careful and keep their chances high for the 2nd leg. This being said, a draw could be the most reasonable bet to make. Inter are more than capable of pressing Juve, but without their star player Lukaku it will be a bit difficult to find the back of the net. Not to mention Hakimi’s impact as well, something that Conte will miss during the first game.
Current Odds
- Draw: 3.50
- Under 2.5 goals: 1.80
- Both Team To Score: 1.75
Stay up to date with bet365.
For the latest news, visit my blog or follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.