In what will surely go down as one of the most memorable Derby d’Italia clashes, Inter Milan and Juventus played out an incredible 4-4 draw at the San Siro.
A match filled with twists, turns, and breathtaking football saw both sides trading blows for 90 minutes of relentless action.
This Serie A classic left fans on the edge of their seats as neither team could find the winner, despite coming close multiple times in a game that truly defined what a rivalry should be.
Derby d’Italia Madness: Eight Goals in a Frenzied Battle
The match began with a frenetic pace that never let up. Both Inter and Juventus came into this game with ambitions of closing the gap on league leaders Napoli, and it was clear from the outset that neither side was willing to back down.
- Inter took the lead early in the first half through a Piotr Zielinski penalty, putting the Nerazzurri ahead 1-0 after Danilo fouled Marcus Thuram in the box.
However, Juventus responded quickly. Just five minutes later, Weston McKennie set up Dusan Vlahovic to fire home the equalizer, bringing the game level at 1-1. Juventus wasn’t done yet. Francisco Conceicao’s lightning-quick footwork on the right wing led to a brilliant assist for Timothy Weah, who slotted in to make it 2-1 for Juventus after just 26 minutes.
Inter, though, showed their resilience. A quick one-two between Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Thuram saw the Armenian midfielder drill a low shot past Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio to bring the score to 2-2. And just when Juventus thought they had regained control, Inter earned another penalty, which Zielinski confidently converted for his second goal of the night, restoring Inter’s lead at 3-2 before halftime.
Second-Half Drama: Goals, Comebacks, and a Breathless Finish
If the first half was intense, the second half of this Derby d’Italia raised the bar even further. Inter looked to be in control as Denzel Dumfries pounced on a loose ball following a corner and smashed it into the bottom corner, making it 4-2 and giving Inter a two-goal cushion for the first time in the match.
But Juventus had other plans. Manager Massimiliano Allegri introduced young star Kenan Yildiz, and the substitution paid off in spectacular fashion. Within nine minutes of coming on, Yildiz scored a superb goal, slotting the ball into the bottom corner to reduce the deficit to 4-3.
With 20 minutes still left to play, the game became a wild end-to-end battle. Both sides threw everything forward in search of more goals, and it was Juventus who found the all-important equalizer. In the 82nd minute, Yildiz struck again, taking advantage of a half-clearance from the Inter defense and rifling home to make it 4-4.
Despite both teams pushing hard in the final minutes, the scoreline remained level. Juventus finished the match with 2.17 xG (expected goals) compared to Inter’s 3.17, reflecting the high quality and quantity of chances created throughout the contest. In the end, neither side could claim victory, leaving them both frustrated at missing a chance to close the gap on Napoli at the top of Serie A.
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Key Performers Shine in Derby d’Italia Classic
The Derby d’Italia is always a special occasion, and this match was no different. Players from both sides delivered standout performances that contributed to the unforgettable 4-4 draw.
For Inter, Piotr Zielinski was clinical, converting two penalties and dictating play from midfield. Marcus Thuram, though not on the scoresheet, played a crucial role in creating chances, linking up play, and providing the assist for Mkhitaryan’s equalizer. Denzel Dumfries’ goal early in the second half also highlighted his offensive threat from the wing-back position.
On the Juventus side, Kenan Yildiz was the hero of the night. His two goals in the second half kept the Bianconeri in the game and showed why he is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Serie A. Francisco Conceicao was equally impressive, causing problems for Inter’s defense with his pace and creativity, setting up Weah’s goal and constantly threatening down the right flank.
A Missed Opportunity for Both Teams
While the 4-4 draw provided entertainment for fans, it was a missed opportunity for both Inter and Juventus to make up ground on Napoli at the top of the Serie A standings. With both teams sitting just behind the league leaders, a victory in this Derby d’Italia would have been a significant boost to their title ambitions.
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi will no doubt be frustrated by his team’s inability to hold onto a two-goal lead, while Juventus’ Allegri will rue the fact that his side conceded four goals despite their resilience. As the season progresses, both sides will need to shore up their defenses and maintain their focus if they are to challenge Napoli for the Scudetto.
What’s Next for Inter and Juventus?
After such an intense encounter, both Inter and Juventus will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next Serie A fixtures. For Inter, they will be looking to continue their positive form, but Inzaghi will need to address the defensive lapses that have seen them concede six goals in the last 15 minutes of matches this season – more than any other side in Serie A.
Juventus, on the other hand, will take confidence from their unbeaten record this season, but Allegri will be keen to see his side turn these draws into wins if they are to keep pace with Napoli at the summit of the league table.
