A high-octane “Derby d`Italia” delivered an unforgettable clash, as Juventus secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over Inter, maintaining their flawless start to the Serie A season while leaving their rivals pondering a defensive conundrum.
Football, at its core, is a simple game: two teams, one ball, 90 minutes, and ideally, a clear winner. Yet, the recent “Derby d`Italia” between Juventus and Inter defied all notions of simplicity. What transpired in Turin was a magnificent, chaotic ballet of goals, tactical shifts, and individual moments that culminated in a thrilling 4-3 triumph for the Bianconeri. This wasn`t merely a match; it was a statement – for Juventus, a declaration of intent; for Inter, a stark, early-season reality check.
Early Exchanges and an Unlikely Opener
From the outset, the air crackled with anticipation. Inter, under manager Chivu, began with a more assertive posture, pressing high and creating early opportunities. Nicolò Barella, ever the livewire, tested Juventus`s goalkeeper Di Gregorio within minutes. However, football, as it often does, delights in subverting expectations.
Against the run of play, Juventus found their stride. In the 14th minute, a surging play down the right flank saw Manuel Locatelli deliver a precise ball into the box. Gleb Bremer`s outstretched leg cleverly redirected it, finding a lurking Kelly. The English defender, making his Derby debut, unleashed a left-footed strike that bypassed André Onana (or rather, Sommer) in Inter`s goal. It was a goal born from a scramble, a deflections, and perhaps a touch of disbelief from Kelly himself – only the second Englishman to score in this fixture in Serie A history since Gerald Hitchens in the 1960s. Juventus were unexpectedly ahead, a testament to their opportunistic spirit.
The Turkish Tango: Calhanoglu vs. Yildiz
The match soon morphed into a captivating contest of individual brilliance, particularly from two Turkish maestros. Inter`s Hakan Çalhanoğlu, seemingly a man possessed, spearheaded his team`s fightback. Despite an imperfect performance overall, his moments of genius were undeniable.
Just past the half-hour mark, a fluid Inter move saw Carlos Augusto provide the assist for Calhanoglu, who coolly restored parity. The Stadium momentarily silenced, only to roar back to life as Juventus`s young sensation, Kenan Yildiz, delivered his retort. Having already shown glimpses of his prowess by recovering a ball from his compatriot earlier, Yildiz netted his third career goal against Inter – a remarkable feat for such a nascent talent, solidifying his reputation as a big-game player. Juventus led 2-1.
Yet, Calhanoglu was not done. In the 64th minute, following a series of tactical changes by Chivu, including the introduction of Piotr Zieliński, the Polish midfielder immediately provided an assist. Calhanoglu, with a chest trap and a sublime volley, scored his second, once again drawing Inter level at 2-2. It was a goal that underscored his relentless desire to influence the game, even if his attempts sometimes bordered on the audacious.
A Tale of Two Brothers: The Thuram Show
As the clock ticked into the final quarter, the narrative took a fascinating turn, focusing on two brothers sharing a famous surname: Thuram. In the 76th minute, a corner from Federico Dimarco found Inter`s Marcus Thuram, who rose majestically above his markers Kalulu and Cabal to head home. The away section erupted; Marcus, ever the composed professional, offered no exuberant celebration against a club his father, Lilian, once graced. Inter, for the first time, were in the lead, 3-2.
But the script for this derby was far from complete. Only six minutes later, Juventus`s other Thuram, Khephren, decided it was his turn for the spotlight. From a set-piece delivered by Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, also with a header, beat Sommer to level the score at 3-3. The familial rivalry, played out on the grandest stage, added an exquisite layer of drama to an already pulsating encounter.
The Decisive Blow and Goalkeeping Scrutiny
With minutes dwindling and both teams seemingly exhausted by the relentless exchange of blows, Juventus`s coach Igor Tudor, whose substitutions had been a mixed bag earlier, made a final, decisive change. The 19-year-old Montenegrin, Vasilije Adžić, entered the fray in the 74th minute. And it was Adžić, provided an assist by Khephren Thuram, who delivered the ultimate dagger.
His goal, a long-range effort, sealed an incredible 4-3 victory for Juventus. It was a strike that soared, defied, and ultimately broke Inter`s resolve. The shot, while powerful, also drew renewed scrutiny on Inter`s goalkeeper, Sommer, whose performance on the night, particularly in conceding four goals, left many questioning his command of the penalty area. One might suggest Sommer`s gloves were perhaps coated in a non-stick cooking spray, given the frequency with which the ball found the net.
Implications and the Road Ahead
This “Derby d`Italia” was a game of consequences. For Juventus, the victory means a perfect record, a psychological boost, and a clear signal that they are serious contenders this season. Their resilience and ability to find goals from unexpected sources, combined with the brilliance of talents like Yildiz and Adžić, bodes well for Tudor`s side.
For Inter, however, the result is more complex. While demonstrating offensive firepower, their defensive vulnerabilities, coupled with what many perceived as questionable tactical substitutions from Chivu – removing key players like Calhanoglu and Barella while leading – have left them languishing on just three points. The post-match comments section of the original report was a veritable dissection of Inter`s defensive woes and coaching decisions, with fans urging the club`s management to address these issues promptly.
The unpredictable nature of Serie A has rarely been so vividly demonstrated. This 4-3 thriller in Turin was more than just three points; it was a narrative woven with individual stories, tactical gambles, and the sheer, unadulterated drama that only football can provide. Juventus celebrates, Inter reflects, and the rest of the league watches, utterly captivated.
