Juventus 2-0 Inter Milan: Poor all around

Inter took on Juventus today in the Derby D'Italia and both teams were coming into this match needing three points. A win for the home side would extend their lead at the top of Serie A before Napoli's match tomorrow against Fiorentina, while Inter were hoping to continue in the battle for 3rd place.

Mancini opted to match Allegri's 352 formation. Juan Jesus joined Miranda and Murillo at the back, while the wingbacks were D'Ambrosio and Telles. Medel, Melo, and Kondogbia made up the central three and the attack was comprised of Icardi and Palacio.

Inter started surprisingly aggressive, pressing Juventus very well. Despite this Juventus managed to carve out a couple of early chances, the best one a long range shot from former Inter player Hernanes that Handanovic managed to tip onto the crossbar. The other chances were either blocked or went wide. Eventually Inter began to get a little more possession though when the Nerazzurri had the ball the difference between the way the two teams used the 352 formation was apparent. With Juventus the midfielders and defenders push forward with the ball while when Inter were in possession Medel and Melo would immediately try to pass the ball when they received possession rather than driving forward with it. When the first half ended the scoreline was level, but the away side could be happy with their performance so far.

This good showing would end about 67 seconds after the start of the second half. A free kick was inexplicably headed back across the face of goal by D'Ambrosio and Bonucci was there to volley the ball into the back of the net. When Medel had to be substituted off due to injury Mancini suprised everybody by replacing him with Ljajic. This attacking move allowed Inter to begin to actually create some moves in and around the final third though Buffon still wasn't really being tested yet.

Juventus got their second goal towards the end of the match. Morata charged into the box and after a push on Miranda went unpunished, the defender took down the Spanish attacker and conceded a penalty that Morata scored. Buffon finally had to get involved in the match in the final few minutes to save efforts from Ljajic, Miranda, and Eder.

Honestly there isn't much to say here. Inter were poor in every part of the pitch. The defense made a number of errors, the midfield was too timid, and the attack was nonexistent until the last 8 or so minutes. The team is going to have to improve in the following Serie A matches if there is any hope of securing 3rd place.