Juventus and Inter Milan will clash in the highly anticipated second edition of the Derby d’Italia this season. After an electrifying 4-4 draw at San Siro in their previous encounter, both teams will be eager to claim victory and secure bragging rights.
With a crucial Champions League play-off match looming just three days away, Juventus manager Thiago Motta is expected to make several changes to his starting lineup to maintain squad freshness.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Motta is set to tweak his midfield and wing positions, adjusting his team’s approach for this high-stakes encounter.
Motta is expected to deploy a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Khephren Thuram operating as a defensive midfielder.
Teun Koopmeiners returns to the starting XI in a more advanced midfield role, partnering with Weston McKennie, who retains his spot after a standout performance against PSV Eindhoven. Injuries and rotation see Douglas Luiz sidelined, while Manuel Locatelli is likely to be rested.
On the flanks, Francisco Conceição is set to make his first start in weeks following an impressive Champions League cameo, while Nicolas Gonzalez takes the left-wing role, pushing Kenan Yildiz and Samuel Mbangula to the bench.
Up front, Randal Kolo Muani will spearhead the attack, while at the back, the only expected change is Nicolo Savona replacing Lloyd Kelly at left-back. The defensive line remains largely unchanged, with Timothy Weah, Federico Gatti, and Renato Veiga in front of goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.
Meanwhile, Simone Inzaghi is likely to stick with his well-established 3-5-2 formation. However, a major concern is the availability of Marcus Thuram, who remains a doubt due to a recent knock.
Should he miss out, Mehdi Taremi is favored to start alongside Lautaro Martinez in attack. The rest of the lineup is expected to remain unchanged, ensuring stability in midfield and defense.
Probable Lineups
Juventus (4-1-4-1):
Di Gregorio; Weah, Gatti, Veiga, Savona; Thuram; Conceição, McKennie, Koopmeiners, Gonzalez; Kolo Muani.
Inter Milan (3-5-2):
Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi (De Vrij), Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro, Taremi (Thuram).
With both teams vying for supremacy, the Derby d’Italia promises to be another thrilling showdown filled with intensity, tactical battles, and moments of brilliance. Fans can expect an exciting contest as Juventus and Inter look to make a statement in the Serie A title race.
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