Juve boss Thiago Motta: “Let's continue like this”

Thiago Motta masterminded Sunday’s Derby D’Italia success in what was a game of two halves against Inter Milan.
First half frustrations turned into second half success for Thiago Motta
First half frustrations turned into second half success for Thiago Motta | Jonathan Moscrop/GettyImages

The defending champions arrived at the Allianz Stadium, knowing that victory over their bitter rivals in Turin would propel them to the top of Serie A.

Although Inter dominated the initial 20 minutes, and were frustrated by Juve’s relentless defending until the half-time whistle, they were outsmarted by Motta’s men throughout a one-sided second half.

Motta had rotated his starting line-up, due to injuries and also having one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven, and orchestrated a tactically brilliant 1-0 win over Inter.

Francisco Conceicao’s second-half strike was enough for the Bianconeri to register a third successive Serie A victory, with Motta having only tasted one league defeat in charge of Juve.

The Juventus head coach explained during the post-match press conference: “A great match in a special atmosphere. A deserved victory, and one that came about thanks to a great second half performance.

“We respected Inter for their great quality, but perhaps in the first half we showed too much respect. In the second half we came back much better.

“The path is the right one, and a performance of this level confirms that. Our development was especially evident in the second half, in which we created a lot, and we were effective at being compact in all phases.

“The fans must enjoy the victory. We must immediately turn our attention to mentally and physically preparing for the game against PSV. Let's continue like this, with the help of everyone, even those who didn't play tonight.”