The “Derby d`Italia” is rarely a dull affair, but Saturday’s clash between Juventus and Inter transcended mere competition, evolving into a chaotic, seven-goal ballet of unexpected heroes, defensive blunders, and a dramatic family showdown. As the dust settled on a pulsating 4-3 victory for Juventus in Turin, it was clear that while the Bianconeri celebrated a perfect start to their season, their rivals from Milan were left grappling with a nascent crisis, punctuated by defensive woes and questionable tactical choices.
A Whistle-to-Whistle Rollercoaster: Early Jitters and Unlikely Leads
From the outset, the air in the Allianz Stadium crackled with anticipation. Inter, under manager Chivu, began with a confident swagger, dominating possession and looking poised to strike. Yet, football, in its infinite wisdom, often favors the audacious. Against the run of play, Juventus found their opener in the 14th minute. The unlikely hero? None other than Kelly, whose left-footed strike defied expectations – and perhaps even his own belief – to beat Yann Sommer in the Inter goal. It was a moment of sheer surprise, a defensive midfielder turning poacher, leaving Inter’s newly-debuted Akanji and Dumfries a step behind. Juventus, despite being outplayed in the initial exchanges, had drawn first blood.
Turkish Delights and Duels: Calhanoglu vs. Yildiz
The match then settled into a fascinating rhythm of thrust and parry, often dictated by individual brilliance. Inter`s Hakan Calhanoglu, ever the orchestrator, began to stamp his authority on the midfield. His persistence paid off around the half-hour mark, restoring parity for Inter with a well-placed finish.
But Juventus possessed a young talent of their own in Kenan Yildiz, who seemed to relish the big occasion. Displaying a maturity beyond his years, Yildiz responded swiftly, netting his third career goal against Inter – a remarkable statistic for a player of his age. Just when Juventus thought they had regained control, Calhanoglu, seemingly fueled by an insatiable desire to win, delivered another stunning blow. With a chest-trap and a volley, he completed his brace, a testament to his attacking prowess even on a day where his overall play might not have been “impeccable,” as the local press observed with a hint of irony. The game was now a breathless 2-2, an open invitation to further chaos.
The Thuram Family Derby: A Brotherly Exchange
As the second half wore on, both teams pushed for a decisive advantage. Inter seemed to find it first. In the 76th minute, Marcus Thuram, Inter`s formidable striker, rose highest to head home, putting the Nerazzurri ahead for the first time at 3-2. The away section erupted, but Marcus himself offered a muted celebration, perhaps out of respect, or perhaps aware that his father, the legendary Lilian Thuram (a former Juventus player), was watching from the stands.
Seven minutes later, Lilian`s loyalties were truly tested. From a set-piece whipped in by the impressive Yildiz, it was Marcus`s younger brother, Khephren Thuram, who found the net with another header. The Stadium`s collective gasp turned into a roar as Juventus clawed their way back to 3-3. The “Thuram Derby” had delivered a captivating, if somewhat confusing, subplot for the family patriarch.
The Final Flourish: Adzic`s Golden Touch
With the clock winding down and the score locked at 3-3, the match felt destined for a draw, a respectable outcome for such an enthralling encounter. However, fate, or perhaps Igor Tudor`s tactical gambles, had other plans. Juventus’s coach, having made a series of substitutions, introduced the 19-year-old Adzic in the 74th minute. It was this fresh-faced Montenegrin who would seize the moment, propelled by an assist from the now emboldened Khephren Thuram. Adzic unleashed a “pearl” of a strike, as the report described it, flying into the net and securing a dramatic 4-3 victory for Juventus.
The collective sigh of relief from the Juventus faithful was palpable, contrasted sharply with the stunned silence from the Inter camp. While Tudor`s substitutions proved decisive, Inter`s coach Chivu found his changes backfiring, leaving his side exposed and ultimately defeated.
Aftermath: Diverging Paths and Lingering Questions
Juventus now sits atop the league with a perfect record, a testament to their fighting spirit and the emergence of bright young talents like Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, and Adzic. Yet, the victory wasn`t without its caveats; questions remain about their overall game plan, often reliant on individual moments rather than cohesive team play.
For Inter, the picture is considerably bleaker. Stuck on a mere three points, their defensive frailties were laid bare, exacerbated by a goalkeeper (Sommer) who, as some critics wryly noted, seemed to be wearing “oily gloves” on the night. Lautaro Martinez, usually a prolific scorer, was rendered “invisible,” overshadowed by Yildiz`s dynamism. The post-match commentary was scathing, with fans and pundits alike questioning Chivu`s tactical acumen and substitutions, suggesting a “psychological aspect and also a technical one that urgently needs revision.”
This Derby d`Italia will be remembered not just for its goal tally, but for its sheer unpredictability and the contrasting narratives it spun: Juventus`s chaotic brilliance and youthful promise against Inter`s early-season struggles and defensive vulnerabilities. It was a game that reminded everyone why Italian football, even in its technical ebbs and flows, can still deliver breathtaking drama.
Elton Marrow