The 22nd matchday of Serie A it was undoubtedly full of food for thought and analysis. Obviously the main attraction was the long-distance duel between Juventus and Inter, with a challenge that is becoming increasingly exciting and compelling week after week.
The Italian Derby is back
It must be said that it has been a very long time since the Bianconeri and Nerazzurri fought against each other for such important objectives. In recent seasons, apart from the Super Cup and the Italian Cup, the championship had not offered the possibility of a Derby d’Italia so heartfelt and tense. And now Inter-Juve on Sunday evening could already be worth a piece of the Italian flag and the Scudetto. Despite this, needless to say, in these days there will be attempts to diminish its weight. But the anticipation for what will happen at the San Siro is already very high. And the countdown must have already started.
First trophy of the season for Inter with the triumph in the Super Cup
However, what happened over the weekend that just passed made many things clear. Inter’s overtaking was the result of a victory that was by no means a foregone conclusion, but of a mature and intelligent team. Lautaro Martinez and his teammates were able to suffer in the face of a tough Fiorentina, but which seems to be experiencing a moment of decline, especially from an offensive point of view. However, the superiority of the Milanese team, in terms of mentality and quality, appeared once again evident.
A slightly different and different matter for Juventus, which was blocked by Empoli. However, the Bianconeri have, beyond the usual unspectacular and brilliant play, demonstrated that they know how to be a team in difficult and complicated moments. Something that could be an important step in view of the big match on Sunday. In short, the Piedmontese are there and now hiding becomes increasingly difficult. In fact, to be honest, practically impossible.
Everything is still open
As a backdrop to this beautiful duel there is a championship that is proving to be open and full of surprises. The fight for a place in Europe, first and foremost the most important one, sees many teams involved, with Bologna making it clear that they believe in it and want to fight. The draw at Milan’s home showcased the quality of the Bolognese, with a Zirkzee that has now become an authentic certainty. Lazio and Napoli were not hurt, which however have mostly shown their limitations rather than their merits. Great opportunity for De Rossi’s Roma, playing against a Salernitana team who are playing for their last chances of survival.
Ups and downs for Sarri’s Lazio
And, speaking of fight for salvation, it is probably the one that is holding the most surprises. The victories in Monza and Genoa have perhaps established a relative tranquility for them, but otherwise as many as eight teams, more or less, can be considered at risk. Nicola’s arrival relaunched Empoli, while Verona experienced a real revolution in the market. Sassuolo, Udinese, Lecce and Cagliari are prey to their ups and downs. It is therefore difficult to make predictions.