Inter v Juventus is not a fixture that needs any added intrigue, but the latest meeting between these two clubs is packed with it as Wednesday’s Coppa Italia Final approaches.
Known as the Derby d’Italia – “The Derby of Italy” – it is Serie A’s answer to El Clásico as the nation’s two most successful clubs go head-to-head. Over the years it has been a rivalry packed with controversy, from allegations of doping and match-fixing in both directions, to a 1998 clash that actually sparked a fist-fight in parliament.
Their encounters have decided so many league titles, as discussed in this previous post, but this week’s date at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome is far more about the present and the future than the shared bitterness of the past.
Inter arrive at this game two points behind neighbours AC Milan at the top of the table, and with only two rounds of action remaining, the title hopes of the defending champions appear to be dwindling.
For their part, Juve have secured a top four finish but bombed out of the Champions League yet again, so the cup represents their last chance at ending a tumultuous campaign with some silverware.
Derby della Dybala
Yet there are some storylines that are going to make this meeting even more intense and meaningful, with the future of Paulo Dybala undoubtedly at the forefront of those. The Argentinian forward is out of contract next month, and in recent weeks he has been strongly linked with a move to Inter.
Indeed, according to Italian transfer expert Alfredo Pedulla, Dybala has “turned down a number of unspecified offers” from various clubs, instead deciding “to wait for Inter to complete the deal” for him.
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport believe that one of those potential suitors is Borussia Dortmund, reporting last week that the German club had offered Dybala €4.5 million ($4.75m) per season to replace Erling Haaland.
Beppe Marotta was the man who brought the forward to Juve back in 2015, and now as the Nerazzurri CEO it seems he is determined to be reunited with the 28-year-old who will be available on a free transfer.
Earlier this month, Gazzetta dello Sport believed that the player had been offered a four-year contract by Inter that would pay him €6 million ($6.34m) per year, which still represents a slight decrease on his current salary.
In total, Dybala has scored just four goals in 16 career appearances against Inter, and – if he is selected by Juve boss Max Allegri – it will certainly be interesting to watch his performance against them on Wednesday given these rumours.
Giorgio Chiellini’s last derby
The final could also represent Giorgio Chiellini’s last meaningful outing in a Juventus shirt, with widespread reports that the captain will also leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Now 37, the Pisa native joined the Bianconeri back in 2005 and there has been speculation that his future could lie with an MLS side in the US. If he features against Inter, it would make them the club he has faced the most as a player, winning 14 and losing nine of his 34 appearances against them so far.
He would love to end this last one with the trophy in his hands.