Juventus’ hopes of extending their unbeaten streak to 50 games were ended in emphatic style in a 3-1 defeat to Inter in the “Derby d’Italia” on Saturday.
In 10 previous games this season Juve had conceded only five goals as they set out their stall for what looked like a successful defense of their Serie A title.
However, despite opening the scoring through Chilean international Arturo Vidal in a dominant first half the Turin giants were outplayed after the interval with Diego Milito grabbing a brace and Rodrigo Palacio firing home their third in the 89th minute to reduce Inter’s arrears to just one point.
Photo: Reuters
Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni, whose tactics and approach to this game reportedly came under scrutiny by Juve president Beppe Marotta prior to the match, could not hide his joy after the match: “I’ve heard some ironic remarks about how we go about things,” he told Sky Sports. “I tried to prepare for this game in the best possible way so it’s annoying to hear sarcasm from Juve before the match on Inter’s tactical approach. At the final whistle perhaps Marotta might think differently. I just want respect.”
Juventus came out firing on all cylinders and took the lead in the opening minute.
A textbook attack caught Inter off guard although when Ghanaian midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah latched on to a through ball on the left the Ghanaian midfielder was a meter offside.
Officials did not spot the infringement and when he lashed the ball across the area Vidal slotted home past Samir Handanovic.
Inter had the ball in the net on 12 minutes after Palacio got his head to Esteban Cambassio’s free-kick, but the Argentine striker was ruled offside.
Tensions rose when Swiss midfielder Stephan Lichsteiner hacked down Palacio moments after being shown yellow for a high challenge which left Cambiasso on the ground in pain.
Juventus still had the momentum, however, and Asamoah launched an incisive run down the left before cutting back for Vidal, but the Chilean was robbed before he could get his shot away.
Nicklas Bendtner replaced Mirko Vucinic for the second half, but the former Arsenal striker’s chances were limited as Inter settled into their game to first level and then take the lead.
Giovinco gave Juve a boost when he dribbled his way into a scoring position before falling foul to a Cambiasso-Samuel sandwich. Marchisio was allowed to force his way towards goal, but he shot straight at Handanovic.
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