Inter Defeats Juventus Using "Juventus Method" – True Class Shines, MVP Frontrunner

Inter Milan’s 1-0 victory over Juventus has solidified their position at the top of Serie A, now leading by four points with a game in hand. Following the match, Sky Italia commented that Inter used the "Juventus way" to defeat Juventus. This "Juventus way" is not about controversies or legal battles but refers to the robust and unyielding defense that Juventus has been known for over the years.

During this match, the North Stand displayed a massive banner under the image of Medusa, representing Inter’s "Serpentine Spirit," summarizing Juventus’s notorious exploits over the years: “bribing referees, managers serving prison sentences, cheating on exams, exploiting loyal fans, stealing championships, manipulating the transfer market, distorting financial statements, players using performance-enhancing drugs, inventing capital gains, being expelled from European competitions... Facing his gaze, those poor souls turn to stone in the sad reality.” Among European powerhouses, no other club has borne as many legal battles and scandals over the past decade and a half as Juventus.

Inter's century-old rivalry and disdain for Juventus means they would never emulate such methods. Instead, Inter’s "Juventus way" of defeating their arch-rivals was through an impenetrable defense that left Juventus in despair, securing a crucial three points.

Defensive Masterclass

The statistics from OPTA highlighted two key aspects. Firstly, Inter completed nine shots in the first half (seven of which were inside the penalty area), taking the lead despite Marcus Thuram missing a golden opportunity. Juventus, on the other hand, failed to register a single shot on target in the first half. Since OPTA began comprehensive Serie A monitoring, Juventus has managed zero shots on target in the first half of the Italian Derby only twice.

Secondly, Juventus’s strategy of setting up a defensive wall in the first half to counter Inter backfired. In the second half, they attempted to ramp up their attack but were met with an unyielding Inter defense. Juventus only managed one shot on target for the entire match (a 72nd-minute long-range effort by Vlahovic, which posed little threat). This match marked the fewest shots on target Juventus has managed in a Serie A game this season.

Despite Juventus’s impressive points accumulation this season, their goal-scoring ability lags behind Inter’s by a significant margin (15 goals fewer). Coach Massimiliano Allegri’s previous confidence and audacious rhetoric stemmed from his belief in having forged the strongest defense in Serie A. However, the actual game revealed that while Juventus’s defense is robust, well-coordinated, and muscular, Inter’s attack repeatedly tore it apart. If Thuram and Marko Arnautovic had been more clinical, Inter could easily have scored more than one goal.

When Inter's defense was unyielding, Juventus's expensive stars, bought for hundreds of millions, struggled to find a way through. Even creating a single shot on target proved incredibly difficult. This match reminded everyone not to assume Inter's strong attacking capabilities meant they lacked defensive strength – in fact, despite Juventus's preference for "1-0 wins," Inter has conceded the fewest goals in Serie A this season.

MVP Performance

Post-match, Inter’s official site invited global fans to vote for the match's MVP, listing four candidates: Hakan Calhanoglu, Marcus Thuram, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Benjamin Pavard. So far, Calhanoglu, who contributed a stunning 60-meter pass, has garnered around 20% of the votes, making him the second most popular choice. Pavard, however, has emerged as the clear frontrunner with nearly 70% of the votes, largely due to his exceptional defensive performance.

Pavard’s standout statistics include two clearances, three blocks, one interception, three tackles, and winning all four of his ground duels, alongside precise long-range passes. His contributions on both ends of the pitch were flawless. Moreover, his elegant solo display in the attacking third, although not resulting in a direct shot on target, indirectly caused Gatti's own goal.

Beyond these statistics, Pavard’s "high-class" characteristics shone through. When Juventus went all out in a desperate attempt to equalize, Pavard’s skill and ability completely extinguished their confidence. One notable moment in the final ten minutes saw Juventus's "Mr. Champion" Federico Chiesa urging his teammates to push forward aggressively to breach Inter’s defense and equalize. His body language indicated, "Attack! Inter is not unbeatable!" However, Pavard then engaged in several crucial one-on-one duels with Chiesa, shutting him down each time.

In these moments, containing the opponent's key player is crucial to securing victory. Pavard’s audacious "scorpion kick" defensive move, though risky, proved effective. By the 82nd, 83rd, and 85th minutes, Chiesa had attempted to take on Pavard three times, and each time, Pavard cleanly dispossessed him, leaving Chiesa with no answers.

Defensive Dominance

The sheer dominance of Pavard’s performance led to widespread admiration across various platforms – from Italian TV to social media. Pavard was hailed as a true champion and a player of the highest caliber. Such performances are rare in the modern Serie A, making this Inter vs. Juventus clash even more special.

Inter’s defensive display in this match was a testament to their overall quality. Despite the high-pressure situation, they maintained composure and executed their game plan flawlessly. Their ability to shut down Juventus’s expensive and highly-rated attackers highlighted the depth and strength of their squad.

A Look Ahead

Inter's victory over Juventus, using their opponent’s famed defensive tactics, has not only solidified their lead in the Serie A standings but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league. They possess both the attacking prowess and defensive solidity required to challenge for the title.

For Juventus, this match was a humbling experience. Despite their strong start to the season, this defeat exposed some vulnerabilities, particularly in their attacking efficiency. Allegri will need to reassess and adjust his tactics to ensure his team can convert their defensive strength into more consistent offensive output.

In conclusion, this high-level encounter between two of Italy's most storied clubs showcased the best of what Serie A has to offer. With standout performances like Pavard’s, Inter Milan has proven they are serious contenders for the Scudetto. The applause from fans and critics alike is well-deserved, as Inter continues to build on their legacy with both flair and resilience.