An intense game at the Allianz stadium sees Inter Milan hold Juventus to a goalless draw. Inter will be the happier of the two sides, as a point means they remain unbeaten and top of the Serie A.
The game can best be described by the seven yellow cards dished out by the center referee, Paolo Valeri.
All action at the Allianz ??#ForzaJuve ?? #JuveInter pic.twitter.com/aSjXX4tDMF
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) December 9, 2017
After their win against Olympiacos in midweek, Maximiliano Allegri made four changes his team, with Girogio Cheillini, Asamoah, Miralem Pjanic and Mario Mandzukic in for Barzgali, Sandro, Paulo Dybala and Douglas Costa.
For the visitors, Lucianio Spalletti only made two changes to the side that thrashed Chievo last weekend, Miranda and Vecino in for Ranocchia and Joao Mario.
The first half was one of few chances, as both sides took turns to control possession. Despite creating little, it was the home side who had the best chance of the half.
Juan Cuadrado’s excellent cross found Mandzukic, whose header brought out the best of saves from Samir Handanovic in goal for Inter.
82' Chance!! @Cuadrado's cross finds @MarioMandzukic9 at the far post, who slips over at the crucial moment.#JuveInter #ForzaJuve
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) December 9, 2017
Both sides cancelled each other out tactically, and there was nothing to separate them after a rather dull first half.
After the break, it was the Biaconeri who found space yet again, but Handanovic was very alert to deny this time, Cuadrado before Dalbert Henrique replaced the injured Davide Santon just after the hour mark.
With both sides struggling to break down each other’s organised defence, the two coaches made changes in a bid to get something out of the game.
However, it was Juve who had the best chance of the second 45, as Cuadrado once again found Mandzukic with a superb cross, but the Croatian’s header came off the woodwork, as Inter breathe again.
Inter held on for a valuable point that sees them remain top of the Serie A, two points ahead of Napoli in second, and Juventus in third.
Inter become the second side to hold Juve at home this season, though Allegri’s side may feel disappointed that they didn’t get more than a point from the game.
For the league leaders, Inter, they leave Turin with a valuable point, as they continue their title challenge.
