08 March 2020
Juventus claimed Derby d’Italia bragging rights when they defeated Inter 2-0 on Sunday evening at Allianz Stadium. Second half goals from Aaron Ramsey and a stunning finish from substitute Paulo Dybala ensured the three points remained in Turin.
GOALLESS FIRST HALF
It was unusual seeing the Bianconeri take to the field in an empty stadium, especially against rivals Inter, but that didn’t deter the two teams from going for the jugular. In the opening minutes of the game, Juve were denied of a goal when Handanovic brilliantly parried away Matthijs de Ligt’s glancing header at the near post. The Inter shot-stopper proved decisive again when he pushed away Matuidi’s strong effort, while Antonio Candreva’s effort from range flew narrowly over the crossbar. Szczesny’s only save of the half came in the 35th minute when he dropped down low to beat away Brozovic’s effort.
RAMSEY SNATCHES THE LEAD
Into the second half and the hosts needed just 10 minutes to take a hold of a precious lead: Matuidi worked his way to the byline and pulled back for Ronaldo. Ramsey snatched the ball from the feet of Ronaldo, as he fired into the back of the net with a strike that wrongfooted Handanovic.
DYBALA SHINES AGAIN!
Douglas Costa made way for Paulo Dybala on the hour mark, and the Argentine made an immediate impact with his presence by doubling the scoreline to 2-0. The 26-year-old sensationally controlled a long ball with the outside of his foot, he then combined with Ramsey who fed him the ball side the box. Dybala then left Young stranded as he cut inside and prodded the ball across the line with the outside of his left foot: sensational. Mattia de Sciglio came on for the injured Alex Sandro, while Higuain made way for Bernardeschi. The game finished off in an exciting manner when Ronaldo came agonizingly close to breaking the record of scoring in 12 consecutive Serie A matches: the Portuguese striker first shot from range and then fired an angled drive deep inside stoppage time, as both his efforts went wide of the target. Nonetheless, the hosts claimed the victory to move nine points clear of Inter (third place) in the standings.
Juventus: Szczesny; Cuadrado, de Ligt, Bonucci, Alex Sandro (De Sciglio 78’); Ramsey, Bentancur, Matuidi; Douglas Costa (59’ Dybala), Higuain (Bernardeschi 79’), Cristiano Ronaldo
Substitutes: Pinsoglio, Buffon, De Sciglio, Chiellini, Pjanic, Khedira, Dybala, Danilo, Rugani, Rabiot, Bernardeschi
Inter: Handanovic; Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Candreva, Vecino, Brozovic, Barella, Young; R Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez
Substitutes: Padelli, Berni, Godin, Gagliardini, Alexis Sanchez, Ranocchia, Asamoah, Borja Valero, Eriksen, Esposito, D’Ambrosio, Biraghi
