Like the TLN commentators declared at the end of the game, “what a great hallmark for Serie A soccer”. The much anticipated ‘Derby d’Italia’ ended on a tied 1-1 scoreline, but despite the fairly low goaltotal, the match sure wasn’t devoid of excitement and beautiful plays. These were two teams well in control of their playing style, Inter with their fast-paced short passing game, and Juve with their often lethal wing attacks.

What the Nerazzurri put on the table in terms of technical prowess, the Bianconeri equaled with great character. For anyone knowing the ‘Old Lady’, it should come as no surprise that Ranieri’s men never let go during the game, despite conceding the first goal shortly before half-time (courtesy of ‘El Jardinero’ Julio Cruz, once again). Confident with their lead, Inter entrenched themselves behind an iron-tight defense, but in the end the Bianconeri’s efforts were well rewarded with the equalizing goal of Mauro Camoranesi (who had just come on as a substitute). Great stuff from the Stadio Olimpico of Turin.

The tactical formations for both teams left little in the way of surprises: Juventus operated with their usual 4-4-2 line-up, with Cristiano Zanetti and Antonio Nocerino into the heart of the midfield and Nedved/Palladino on the wings (Camoranesi still lacking match fitness). Up front, the task of scoring goals was left to the Del Piero-Trezeguet duo.

On the opposite end, plagued-by-injury Inter manned soccer’s most classic formation as well. The absences of Patrick Vieira and Dejan Stankovic (not to mention that of Adriano due to tactical choice) forced Roberto Mancini to field Javier Zanetti in a fairly uncommon central midfielder role, but the Argentine partnered very well with fellow national teammate Esteban Cambiasso. The rest of the Nerazzurri’s offensive duties were put on the shoulders of Figo/Cesar for wing attacks, and Zlatan-Cruz for the finishing touch.

Read the rest of the match report here

	JUVENTUS-INTER 1-1
GOALSCORERS: 41′ Cruz (I), 77′ Camoranesi (J)
JUVENTUS (4-4-2): Buffon — Grygera (78′ Zebina), Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro — Palladino, Nocerino, C.Zanetti, Nedved (61′ Iaquinta) — Trezeguet, Del Piero (70′ Camoranesi). (bench: Belardi, Birindelli, Tiago, Salihamidzic). Coach: Ranieri.
INTER (4-4-2): Julio Cesar — Maicon (86′ Dacourt), Cordoba, Samuel, Chivu — Figo (62′ Burdisso), J.Zanetti, Cambiasso, Cesar — Ibrahimovic, Cruz (65′ Suazo). (bench: Orlandoni, Maxwell, Solari, Crespo). Coach: R.Mancini.

Marco Pantanella writes for the mCalcio blog