Inter vs Juventus ‘the most important game of the year’ says Italy World Cup winner

Italy legend Alessandro Altobelli a former striker for Inter and Juventus says the meeting between Nerazzurri and Bianconeri is the ‘most important game of the year’ and predicts Simone Inzaghi’s men will win.

Inter and Juventus meet at San Siro on Sunday evening with kick-off time at 18:00 CET (16:00 GMT).

The Bianconeri have just lost their first game this season, facing a 1-0 defeat to VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League. Inter, on the other hand, beat Young Boys and have one point more than the Bianconeri in the Serie A table.

Napoli are the table leaders in Italy’s top flight, but Inter and Juventus are still among the main Scudetto contenders this term and if you want to predict the next Italian champion you can check top casino payment options.

Altobelli, a 1982 Italy World Cup winner, scored seven goals in the derby d’Italia, all for Inter.

“You don’t have to think about tactics in these games, but just try to score every time you have the ball and try to not concede when you don’t have it,” the ex-striker told Gazzetta.

“These are the philosophies of these two teams and Inter-Juventus always is the most important game of the year.”

As a former Italian striker, Altobelli will keep a close eye on Inter and Juventus forwards.

“Lautaro and Thuram are in sync and they are protected by a strong midfield. They score and the others work hard. The most similar to me is Thuram,” he said.

“Dusan Vlahovic is bouncing back, but I also like Khephren Thuram and Kenan Yildiz. It will be a great game.”

Talking about strikers, will Lautaro Martinez win the Ballon d’Or?

“If he wins it, we are all happy because he’s done extraoardinary things. He’s won for club and country,” argued Altobelli.

“I think it’s hard anyway. It’s easier to win the Ballon d’Or if you play for Real Madrid. They’ll give it to Vinicius.”

A lot of focus has been put on the coaches as well. Inzaghi is in his fourth season at Inter, while Motta has was appointed by Juventus last summer. 

“Simone has been doing so well since he was at Lazio. Thiago is emerging now, but you are nobody until you win,” warned Altobelli.

“Let’s see if he’ll do what people expect from him. It’s easy to finish third, Juventus would do it anyway. Thiago must leave his mark. As of today, Inzaghi is clearly better but he’s had more time.”

Regarding the score prediction for Sunday’s fixture, Altobelli has no doubts.

“Inter will win 3-1.”