The returning Paulo Dybala snatched a late point for Juventus as Sunday night’s Derby d’Italia with Inter Milan ended 1-1.
Massimiliano Allegri opted to match Inter’s 3-5-2 in the first half but the Bianconeri were all over the place as Edin Dzeko handed the hosts the lead. Inter were dominant, totally in control, but they failed to put the game beyond the incompetent visitors.
Inzaghi’s conservatism has killed Inter. Conte could sit on a lead last season because he had elite transitional players at his disposal. Inzaghi doesn’t, meaning his side are susceptible to enduring sustained periods of pressure when they opt to sit in their block. #InterJuve
— Old Juve (@OldjuveFS) October 24, 2021
Juve were much-improved after the break as Allegri switched to a 4-4-2, but Inter appeared comfortable in their ever-deepening defensive block. However, the introduction of Paulo Dybala further swung the momentum in Juve’s favour and they earned themselves a late penalty after Alex Sandro was kicked in the box by Denzel Dumfries.
Dybala stepped up for Juve and dispatched the spot-kick with aplomb to earn the Bianconeri a point.
Here are our Juventus player ratings from the Derby d’Italia.
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Wojciech Szczesny (GK) – 6/10 – Szczesny conceded his first goal in seemingly forever but there was little he could do about it. He had to make an effort to save Calhanoglu’s deflected strike, and he was unfortunate the ball rebounded to Dzeko after smashing off the woodwork. Otherwise, Juve’s number one had little to do.
Danilo (RB) – 6/10 – The Brazilian was troubled early by Ivan Perisic but settled quickly to produce a sturdy performance from right-back. He was unspectacular but functional and versatile as Allegri switched systems mid-game that altered his role.
Leonardo Bonucci (CB) – 6/10 – Bonucci had barely any influence with the ball tonight and was pretty inactive defensively. He threatened from set-pieces.
Giorgio Chiellini (CB) – 6/10 – There were a couple of hairy moments in possession, as per, but it didn’t cost Juve. It wasn’t Chiellini’s busiest night, but he nonetheless defended with his vintage vigour
Alex Sandro (LB) – 4/10 – Alex Sandro was bereft of any assertion on Sunday night, especially from an attacking sense. He struggled mightily and was comprehensively outdueled by Matteo Darmian in the opening period. Despite his woes, the Brazilian did win the all-important penalty in the closing stages. Nevertheless, Mattia De Sciglio will be licking his lips after the left-back’s performance.