In the Italian Serie A are still four games to complete. Although the champions decision has long since been made, there are still many exciting decisions in the season finish. Four laps to go, especially the fight for Champions and Europa League places is very exciting. The top match this weekend is the highly anticipated “Derby della Mole” – the city derby in Turin. The old and new champions Juventus Turin will welcome city rivals Turin FC on Friday evening, opening the fourth-to-last match day of the current 2018/19 season!
The starting situation could not be any different before this prestigious derby. The home side have been stuck for weeks as a champion and can in the last games of the season play completely free and also experiment a few things. The big city rivals are out of midfield in Serie A this season, but have four rounds to go to return to international business. Even the premier class is still possible. However, victories are needed, but Juventus will not be defeated in this derby without a fight. The game starts at 19:30.
Juventus:
Already last weekend, the old lady from Turin had to play a top match – the “Derby della Italia” was played in the Guiseppe-Meazza stadium of Inter Milan. Against the great archrival – Inter Milan is for the champion’s bigger rival than the garnets of Turin FC – Juventus reached a 1-1 draw. After a fabulous Nainggolan goal (long-range shot), superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (20th goal of the season) was able to score for Juventus and prevented the defeat. The 1-1 draw at the Derby d’Italia was already the sixth game in the series, betting on at least one goal for both teams was the right decision. Juventus Torino has apparently forgotten the “to zero games”.
On the way to the 35th championship of the club’s history Juventus has not won this season only six games. Three of these six “Umfaller” had to accept the Old Lady in the recent seven league games of the season. The focus was clearly on the premier class, but against the young Wilden from Amsterdam there was a surprising end to cope. A bitter disappointment that makes the season finale a chore now.
The premier class is the big target for the Allegri-Elf and after the early end there is speculation about reinforcements. Supposedly Cristiano Ronaldo submitted a wish list. Not even players like creative genius Miralem Pjanic are sure they will play a part in the plans for the upcoming season. The Bosnian wants to stay, but is associated with a change due to possible commitments such as that of Isco. The finish is therefore also about advertising on their own behalf. Team sport becomes an individual sport because everyone plays for their own future. This can also be used as a reason why the defensive is far more punctured than usual.
Turin FC:
Seven championships and five cup wins have already garnered the garnets of Turin FC, but the last major Italian title is already felt to have lasted for so long – in the 1992/93 season Coppa Italia was won. In the recent past, the second-rate series B was home to the garnets for several years. The best result in the 21st century was the seventh place in the 2013/14 season. This placement could even be topped in a few days, because in the second year under head coach Walter Mazzarri the workers’ club from Turin even dream of the premier class. After 34 games, the Mazzarri-Elf has 56 points on the credit side, and thus only three points behind on the fourth-placed Atalanta Bergamo. Despite ranking sixth, the return to Europe is by no means assured; with the two top clubs AC Milan (equal points) and Lazio (one counter behind), the breath of two teams is clearly felt.
Last weekend Mazzarri-Elf overtook Rossoneri thanks to a 2-0 home victory against AC Milan. As in Italy the direct comparison counts with equality of points, Torino now has an advantage over the Milanese regardless of the goal difference. With the 2-0 home win the team was able to underline the strong form and remained for the sixth time in series without defeat (three wins, three draws). The self-confidence is huge after the recent achievements. In addition, Turin FC have not conceded in three of their last four games.
However, the rest program has it all, because in addition to the derby there is also a direct duel with Lazio Rome. A derby victory would not only be important for the prestige, but also in the fight for Europe.
