Serie A: Juventus disappoints

In Serie A’s midweek action, Inter and Juventus showcased critical performances, shedding light on the battle for top spots. Inter’s resounding 3-0 win over Empoli at the Castellani Stadium highlighted a team capable of staying composed and determined even during challenging moments. After a tough first half with firm resistance from the Tuscan side, the Nerazzurri shifted gears in the second half, capitalizing on their offensive strengths.

Davide Frattesi emerged as the standout, breaking the game open with a brace that set the stage for Inzaghi’s side. Captain Lautaro Martinez sealed the deal with a third goal, marking a new record as Inter’s top foreign scorer in club history. Inzaghi chose to keep his captain on the field until the final whistle, a gesture reflecting both trust and an investment in the Argentine striker’s growing leadership.

The win over Empoli added another remarkable feat: it marked Inter’s seventh consecutive victory in Tuscany, with clean sheets maintained in this streak since 2006, when Empoli last defeated Inter at home with a 1-0 score. This latest triumph further solidified Inzaghi’s dominant record against Roberto D’Aversa, who has yet to overcome Inzaghi in eleven matchups, managing only one draw while Inzaghi has claimed the rest as wins.

Meanwhile, Juventus endured a frustrating evening at the Allianz Stadium, where Parma boldly held their ground for the full 90 minutes, ending the match in a 2-2 draw. The Bianconeri’s shaky defensive performance reflected a current weakness in maintaining defensive stability, compounded by the absence of leader Bremer. Juventus has now conceded six goals over the last two games, an alarming trend for a team aiming to compete at the highest level. Against Parma, Juventus’s defensive confidence wavered, and Fabio Pecchia’s Gialloblù capitalized on the lapses with audacity and skill.

For Juventus fans, the 2-2 draw brought back memories of past struggles: Parma hadn’t earned a point in Turin in five years, since a 3-3 draw in 2019. The Gialloblù’s last victory at the Stadium dates back to 2011, when they secured a notable 4-1 win. Although Parma couldn’t clinch the win this time, Pecchia expressed regret over yet another match where his team showcased quality but left without the full three points.

For Juventus, this draw represents a setback in their race to the top, especially given the ongoing challenge of maintaining defensive focus and asserting themselves against well-organized teams.