Coppa Italia: Final Place Up for Grabs in Derby D’Italia

Inter Milan vs Juventus

Whatever the competition, whatever the scenario, I get the impression the Derby d’Italia always matters.

I have been able to report on this clash in the past, most recently a league encounter nearly two years ago when Inter had already ensured Juve had relinquished their league crown, and it clearly means a lot to both clubs.

I expect nothing less in this Coppa Italia semi-final second leg.

In fact, if it’s anything like as dramatic as the first leg of a chaotic semi-final a few weeks back, we will be in for Coppa Italia highlights and talking points aplenty.

Talking Points

This is the last chance for domestic glory this term for both cup holders Inter and Juventus.

With Fiorentina or surprise outfit Cremonese awaiting in the final, the winners of this tie will start the showpiece of the Italian season as favourites.

Both clubs still have hopes of silverware elsewhere too.

Maxi Allegri’s team will face Sevilla next month in the semi-finals of the Europa League, while Inter will meet city rivals Milan at the same stage in the Champions League.

There will likely be a tension after the conclusion to the drawn first leg earlier this month.

Since them, 171 Juventus supporters have been sanctioned under the Daspo measure which is implemented by Italian authorities with the intention to prevent violence and anti-social behaviour surrounding sporting events.

The result of an investigation into incidents surrounding the cup clash found that 250 Juventus fans were identified to have hurled racist abuse at Inter striker Romelu Lukaku.

The supporters who have been recognised as instigators of the racist chanting will be hit with fines for violating the regulations surrounding orderly behaviour in football stadiums.

That just adds another level of antipathy between two sides who have become even bigger rivals in recent seasons.

Team news wise, first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana will provide the hosts’ last line of defence at San Siro.

His fellow custodian Mattia Perin will also replace Wojciech Szczesny after deputising for the Poland international during his recent absence due to a heart scare.

Also for Juve, after being left on the bench in the league at the weekend, Federico Chiesa, Angel Di Maria and Dusan Vlahovic are likely to be handed starting berths.

History

Juventus have had a distinct edge historically.

The ‘old lady’ of Turin have 92 successes to their name compared to 56 Inter triumphs and a further 53 draws in all competitions.

That includes in both league matches this season as Juve ran out 2-0 winners at home, courtesy of second half goals from Adrien Rabiot and Nicolo Fagioli, before edging victory in the San Siro last month through a solitary Filip Kostic strike midway through the first half.

Of course, it was honours even a few months ago in the first leg of this semi-final as Juan Cuadrado struck the opener seven minutes from the end before a handball from Gleison Bremer in stoppage time led to a chaotic climax.

Lukaku equalised with the last kick of the game before being sent off as he celebrated provocatively in front of the home fans, (the ban now overturned).

The drama continued after the full-time whistle had blown as Cuadrado and Inter captain Samir Handanovic also received red cards as scuffles broke out between the two sets of players.

Inter have only defeated Juve once in their past 13 meetings.

That came in Serie A two years ago when Arturo Vidal and Nicolo Barella were on target in a 2-0 home league success.

Betting Tip

Inter are favourites with the SBOTOP Coppa Italia betting odds and, after the weekend’s Serie A results, when Inter won convincingly at Empoli and Juve lost to a last-gasp goal to champions elect Napoli, it is easy to nudge towards Inter.

There again, Juventus rested key men for that fixture.

I am going to edge towards I Nerazzurri, although I think it will be close.

Inter can be backed 1X2 @ 2.02 with Juventus on offer @ 3.40.

Likewise with Asian Handicap, you may wish to consider Inter -0.50 @ 2.03 and Juventus +0.25 @ 2.17.

Another 1-1 Draw will pay out @ 5.80 with Correct Score and, with plenty of firepower on display, you could realistically expect goals with Total Goal 0-1 @ 2.76, 2-3 @ 1.82, 4-6 @ 3.95 and Over 2.50 @ 2.16 among the options.

The 1X2 Draw @ 3.20 is a strong consideration.

 

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