Super Mario steals spoils for Juve

In a much anticipated derby match between Juventus and Inter Milan, it was the less billed Mario Mandzukic that would nick the headlines by snatching the spoils for the league leaders. 

The build up to the match had been dominated by the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Mauro Icardi, as both men bid to be the Serie A top goal scorer come the end of the campaign. 

However it was to be the former Croatia international that would step up when it really mattered, to fire the hosts 11 points clear at the top of the table.

The beginning of the encounter was perhaps surprisingly dominated by visitors Inter Milan, who looked to impose their attacking style upon the defending champions. 

Luciano Spalletti's side headed into the game after a positive away draw to another big hitter in AS Roma last week, and were clearly intent on showing their talents once more in Turin.

 

December 7, 2018

Crosses from Perisic and Politano on the flanks caused early chaos in the Juventus box, with keeper Woijech Szczesny required to come and collect the ball in the air, in order to avert the danger posed to his goal. 

Alas it was the hosts Juventus that would create the first clear cut chance of the game. Predictably, Cristiano Ronaldo was involved; he floated in a near post cross to Argentine Paulo Dybala, but the diminutive midfielder could only direct his header over the bar. 

Inter then responded with a series of Golden opportunities themselves. First, Perisic turned Juventus full back De Sciglio inside out to get to the by line, before cutting a dangerous cross into the six yard box. Only a last ditch header from captain Chiellini prevented Mauro Icardi from heading home from two yards out.

Then, Perisic opted to take aim at goal himself. The Croatian whipped a wicked shot towards goal, but a kind deflection saw the ball loop into the air, making for an easy catch for Juve stopper Szczesny. 

 

December 7, 2018

Akin to typical derby day style, this encounter was soon reduced to end to end attacking play, as both teams looked to counter one another and exploit the space left behind their opponent's defensive line. 

Inter would go closer than they had ever gone before; Gagliardini exchanged a neat one-two with Mauro Icardi in the box, but his low drive rather agonisingly struck the base of the post, before Juventus scrambled to clear. 

The hosts reponded with an excruciatingly close chance themselves. Full back Joao Cancelo flashed a cross through the box, but it somehow evaded all in black and white in the middle.

Both teams would have periods of pressure and possession, but the interval came with the scores fixed in deadlock.

 

December 7, 2018

The second half of this derby clash began in the same vein as the first. Inter had clearly gained confidence from their first half performance, in which they had both troubled and kept their hosts at bay.

Inter went close within minutes of the restart. Gagliardini went close once more, as Bonucci and Chiellini scrambled to block his shot and maintain their clean sheet.

Juventus then mounted a sustained period of possession for themselves, which almost paid dividends. 

Ronaldo and Dybala fired cross upon cross into the box for Mandzukic to launch himself towards, but it was the latter winger that nearly opened the scoring himself.

After a series of pinball in the Inter box, the ball fell to Paulo Dybala, who attempted a half-volley, but misjudged the flight of the ball, and his effort flew over the bar. 

Finally, after nearly two thirds of the game had passed, up stepped a hero for the 'Bianconeri'. 

Brilliant wide play from reinstated full back Joao Cancelo saw him reach the by line, and cut back an excellent curled cross to the far post. 

Croatian juggernaut Mario Mandzukic launched himself wholeheartedly at the ball, and was well rewarded, as Inter stopper Handanovic could only help the powerful header into the back of the net. 

 

December 7, 2018

The remainder of the encounter was rather tame, as Juventus set about managing the score line in order to see out the victory. 

Pjanic, Matuidi and Bentancur did an excellent job of retaining possession for the hosts, as Inter tired and could no longer mount sufficient attacks to truly trouble their hosts. 

The visitors would go close towards the end, as Icardi and then substitute Lauro Martinez tried their luck from just inside the area. 

However the Juventus rearguard, regarded as one of the best, if not the best defensive line in the world, stood firm and managed to claim their much deserved clean sheet. 

 

December 7, 2018

All in all, both sides should be encouraged by the performance in the derby d'Italia, albeit if only one team would go home happy with the result. 

Reigning champions and league leaders took the spoils, which ensured that they would go 11 points clear at the top of the table, as well as equalling a club record start after 15 games of the season.

In contrast, Inter are now winless in three matches. Granted, Spalletti's side's performances have deserved more than one point out of those three encounters, but they must be more clinical, especially in such high level matches. 

Nonetheless, Inter will fancy themselves to kick on for the rest of the season on the back of three strong performances in the past couple of weeks. 

The last word of the day must go to 'Bianconeri' powerhouse Mario Mandzukic, who once more led the line flawlessly for the hosts, and made the all important difference in a tight encounter. 

Super Mario steps up for Juventus, who have just enhanced their status as favourites for not only the Serie A title but also an elusive Champions League crown, come May.