The San Siro hosts one of the biggest rivalries in Italian football tonight as the two biggest cities in Northern Italy, Milan and Turin, battle it out to be the pride of the north. Despite this bragging rights which both clubs will be desperate to have, the game is also crucial in both teams’ fight for the ‘Scudetto’. Neither team have managed to sit atop of the league so far this season as the red half of Milan currently lead the pack and are sat three points ahead of second place Inter. However a win from Juventus tonight would see ‘The Old Lady’ move up to third place and One point behind Inter leaving them one step closer to retaining the title.
The two managers have entangled pasts from when Conte managed Juventus whilst Pirlo was sill playing and captaining the team. Slight conflict grew between them when Andrea grew frustrated of Conte’s substation of him in several games, but since then they have only the utmost respect for each other.
Despite this, their interpretation of ‘The beautiful game’ and tactical style differ drastically. Conte’s iconic “3-5-2” which he has so passionately defended, even with criticism at times about his belief and rigidness, focuses most of the opportunities created on striker Romelu Lukaku as well as identifying the importance of the defensive stage. This has proved pretty average with key players like Christian Eriksen failing to work in this traditional style.
Contrasting to, Andrea Pirlo has named his style “Liquid Football”. This is a complete contrast to Conte’s rigid ideas and only suggests ideas to players and allows them to make the best decision in game. He has hailed Louis Van Gaal, Conte, Ancelotti and Cruyff as his inspirations for this tactical masterclass. From the way Juventus play, it is clear to see the Dutch style making a show in their 2-3-5 formation from time to time.
Both teams will be desperate to gain 3 points in what is a true title race this season as both race to catch up to the red and black of AC Milan
INTERNAZIONALE VS JUVENTUS : 19:45pm. Tonight.
Max Payne 