3' min
After a two-week break, Serie A action is back, kicking off Matchday 13 with a showdown at the Bentegodi. Hellas Verona will host Inter in a matchup that, based on past encounters, seems to have a predictable script. The Nerazzurri boast an impressive record at the Bentegodi: in their last 12 games in Verona, they have consistently scored at least twice per match, showcasing their dominance. Their biggest victory came on May 3, 2023, with a stunning 6-0 win, reaffirming the Bentegodi as fertile ground for Inter’s attack.
Verona’s last home triumph over Inter is a distant memory, dating back to 1992 when Ezio Rossi’s goal secured a historic win for the Gialloblù. Since then, Verona has failed to beat Inter at home, turning that victory into a true taboo. Overall, Hellas has only four home wins against the Milanese side, against a backdrop of clear Inter superiority in head-to-head encounters. The Bentegodi clash will be an opportunity for Verona to break a winless streak that has lasted over three decades. However, facing an in-form Inter team, the task appears anything but easy. History, however, reminds us that football never ceases to surprise.
Saturday’s action continues with a clash between Milan and Juventus at the Meazza at 6:00 PM—a classic of Italian football, a game that ignites emotions, rivalries, and memories. In 89 Serie A matches at Milan’s home ground, the record is balanced: 30 wins for the Rossoneri, 34 draws, and 25 victories for the Bianconeri.
In recent years, however, this fixture has often been characterized by tactical caution. Nine of the last 12 league matches at the Meazza have seen at least one of the two teams fail to score, reflecting the defensive intensity and focus of these encounters. The most recent match, in October 2023, saw Juventus win 1-0 with a solid and pragmatic performance.
One intriguing subplot involves Álvaro Morata, who has worn the Juventus jersey for four years and is a familiar face in this rivalry. Throughout his career, Morata has faced Juventus five times—twice with Real Madrid and three times with Atlético Madrid—earning three victories against his former team, while the Bianconeri triumphed twice. Curiously, the Spanish forward has never scored against Juventus, a surprising stat for a player of his caliber. Should he play in this game, Morata will undoubtedly aim to break that dry spell.
Milan-Juventus also evokes memories of controversies and polemics that have fueled a fiery rivalry between fans and executives. One of the most infamous incidents was Sulley Muntari’s ghost goal in February 2012, one of the most debated referee errors in Italian football history. The ball clearly crossed the goal line but was not awarded, sparking Milan protests and years of heated discussions among supporters of both teams. Adriano Galliani, then Milan’s CEO, revealed that he kept a photo of the incident as his phone wallpaper for a long time, a testament to the injustice he felt.
Saturday’s fixtures conclude with Parma hosting Atalanta at the Tardini, a match that promises to be competitive despite the teams’ contrasting positions in the standings. Historically, the Ducali hold a strong home record against the Bergamaschi. In 32 meetings in Parma, the Gialloblù have recorded 13 wins and 13 draws, with only six losses.
This matchup also pits two offensive-minded teams against each other: Pecchia on one side and Gasperini on the other. While their philosophies differ, both managers share a commitment to developing young talent, setting the stage for an exciting encounter.
