From Coaches To Players – Inter Milan Vs Juventus Serie A Clash Littered With Subplots

From Francisco Conceicao and Marcus Thuram to Thiago Motta, there are many suplots as Inter Milan take on Juventus this evening.

This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

The intense Derby d’Italia rivalry between Inter and Juventus has meant that defections are not exactly common between the teams.

It is not as though they don’t ever happen. But when they do, they often cause a certain degree of outrage among both sets of fans.

But in this evening’s Serie A clash between the Nerazzurri and the Bianconeri, there will be a number of players with notable connections to the opposing side.

From Conceiaco To Thuram – Several Subplots In Inter Vs Juventus Clash

In terms of players, there are connections both historic and current.

Winger Francisco Conceicao joined Juventus this summer. This is in spite of his father Sergio having enjoyed a memorable spell playing for Inter.

Meanwhile, another summer signing for the Bianconeri was midfielder Khephren Thuram.

Khephren is the son of legendary former France international Lilian Thuram. And Lilian certainly made a name for himself in Turin during his time with Juventus.

Therefore, Khephren joining the Bianconeri felt like it was completing a circle.

But on the other hand, Lilian’s other son Marcus decided to join Juventus’s bitter rivals Inter last summer.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach striker made the decision that his dad’s allegiances from his playing days would not stand in the way of making the right decision on the pitch.

And by all accounts, Lilian fully endorsed this decision – even advising Marcus that it was the right move.

Di Gregorio, Motta & Marotta – More Connections

For a more modern connection, there is Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, yet another signing.

Di Gregorio is actually an Inter youth academy graduate, and an admitted childhood Nerazzurri fan.

But Di Gregorio was never quite able to leave his mark on the Inter first team.

It was on loan with Monza that Di Gregorio really shone. He signed for the Brianzoli permanently upon their promotion to Serie A, where he established himself as one of the division’s outstanding keepers.

It was therefore no surprise to see Juventus target the 27-year-old as Wojcech Szczesny’s long-term heir.

And Di Gregorio made a decision that made perfect sense on the pitch by joining the Bianconeri. But he had to get past his strong personal connection to Inter.

Juventus coach Thiago Motta is also someone who enjoyed a very positive playing career with Inter. He won the European Treble with the Nerazzurri in 2010.

But Motta ultimately decided that Juventus were the right opportunity for him.

And last of all, there is Inter President Beppe Marotta.

The 67-year-old has enjoyed hugely successful spells at the helm of both Juventus and Inter over the last decade and a half.