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Serie A returns with the season’s most awaited clash. On Sunday at 6:00 pm, the first leg of the Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus will take place at San Siro. Reigning champions, led by Simone Inzaghi, host their historic rivals, who are coming off their first Champions League loss of the season. Thiago Motta’s Juventus experienced a deserved defeat, raising concerns about their performance ahead of their clash with Inter, particularly after their lackluster showing against Stuttgart.
Juventus arrives at San Siro in third place, one point behind Inter and three points off league leaders Napoli. Conte’s Napoli, set to play Lecce at home on Saturday, could capitalize on the Derby d’Italia result. The Azzurri will be aiming for their fourth consecutive victory to further extend their lead at the top of the standings.
Chasing them is Fonseca’s Milan, who have won four of their last five league games, with the only stumble in Florence. Milan will face Bologna, following the Serie A League’s decision to proceed with the match. Saturday evening brings another key game for Gasperini’s Atalanta, who, on the back of two consecutive Serie A wins and 7 goals scored, host a struggling Hellas Verona, who have lost four of their last five matches under coach Zanetti.
On Sunday, aside from the Derby d’Italia, both Roman teams are also in action. Lazio, managed by Baroni, has been unstoppable in the Europa League (three wins from three) and looks to bounce back from their defeat in the big match against Juventus. They host Gilardino’s Genoa at the Olimpico. Meanwhile, Juric’s Roma will visit Fiorentina in the second high-profile match of round nine. The Giallorossi, with 10 points after 8 games, need a positive result to stay within reach of the Champions League zone.
