Inter Milan v Juventus: Preview

               

                Mar 30, 2013 at 2pm UK at San Siro 

Juventus were top of the table then as now; however their lead is in a much healthier state now, nine points over Napoli. 

The defeat at the hands of Inter brought the curtain down on a club record 49 match unbeaten league run, however it didn't symbolise the end of Juve's recent supremacy. They have only lost three times in the league since then and have capitalized on the inability of their immediate rivals to take advantage of their slip-ups to extend their advantage. With such an advantage and only nine matches remaining in the season it is difficult to see past the Old Lady for a second successive title, especially given their uncanny ability to break up results out and the inconsistence of Napoli.

Inter have never recaptured their form since winning at the Juventus stadium. The Milanese giants have not recorded back to back league wins since early December, and have won just three of their last 12 outings. Inter aim to secure a league double over their historic rivals without the support of the star turn in Turin, Diego Milito. Stramaccioni and co believe it can be done.

An impassioned Italian Derby will be played out at the San Siro with Inter looking to rescue their Champions League hopes. Andrea Stramaccioni's side ended their rivals' 49-game unbeaten run in November and they will be hoping to slow down Antonio Conte's men's title indict on Saturday again.

 Inter pulled off a shock result in the previous meeting between the two teams in November, winning 3-1 despite going behind to an Arturo Vidal strike inside the first minute, ending Juve's long unbeaten run of 49 games.

The Bianconeri could go 12 points clear at the top if they win on Saturday and Napoli lose to Torino. Fabio Quagliarella, who is in contention to start on Saturday, has never scored against the Nerazzurri and in 13 appearances against them has won just once.

Recent form Of Both Teams:

Inter: LWLDWL

Juventus: WLWDWW

Possible starting lineups:

Inter: Handanovic; Jonathan, Silvestre, Chivu, Zanetti; Guarin, Kovacic, Cambiasso; Alvarez; Cassano, Palacio

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Peluso; Vidal, Marchisio, Pirlo, Padoin; Giovinco, Vucinic

Inter injuries and suspensions:

Out: Luca Castellazzi, Gaby Mudingayi, Joel Obi, Diego Milito (injured), Juan Jesus (suspended). In doubt: Ricky Alvarez, Zdravko Kuzmanovic, Dejan Stankovic, Yuto Nagatomo, Matias Silvestre.

Juventus injuries and suspensions:

Out: Nicklas Bendtner, Simone Pepe, Martin Caceres (injured). In doubt: Giorgio Chiellini.