Inter and Juventus meet in a key derby d’Italia this evening, and Tuttosport newspaper has compared the Serie A giants’ average age, wage bill, and market value.
The Derby d’Italia between Inter Milan and Juventus has become “a whole different story” compared to just five years ago. Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, highlight how the dynamic has completely shifted in terms of age and experience.
Historically, Juventus have often been a team that have lived up to their nickname of “The Old Lady.” The Bianconeri relied on a lot of experience during their most successful recent period. The spine of of the Juventus team had been comprised of players who know exactly how to get the job done. Inter, on the other hand, had to try and rebuild just a few years ago. The Nerazzurri had found themselves in a difficult situation as the result of too many players aging out of their best form. Therefore, starting in the second half of last decade, Inter began to focus more on youth.
In recent years, though, this dynamic has changed. Since their last Serie A title in the 2019-20 season, Juventus have been the ones having to rebuild. The Bianconeri have really accelerated their focus on youth and potential in the last couple of years. That has coincided with the arrival of Cristiano Giuntoli as the club’s Sporting Director. And the numbers paint a stark picture of this Juventus team’s youthfulness. And potentially of their inexperience.
Five years ago, the average age of the Bianconeri squad was 28.4. That has absolutely plummeted, to 24.2. The focus on signing younger players along with a number of players just starting to break through from the “Next Gen” youth ranks has rejuvenated a team that not long ago were reliant on players with great experience.
For Inter, on the other hand, the trend has been different, if less dramatic. Five years ago, the average age of Inter’s squad was 27.7. That was at a period when the Nerazzurri were just regaining their footing as a force in Serie A. Now, that number has risen to 29.2. Inter have relied a lot on veteran players like Francesco Acerbi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. They have also dipped into the free transfer market quite frequently. That is also the hallmark of Inter President and CEO of Sport Beppe Marotta. And not coincidentally, Marotta had also been the architect of Juventus’s transfer strategy in the recent past.
Inter vs Juventus: A Tale of Two Squads
Only five years ago, when they won their latest Serie A title under Maurizio Sarri, Juventus had the highest wage bill (€259.6m) and team market value (€864m) in the league. They also had a higher average age than the Nerazzurri: 28.4 to 27.7. This time around, the situation has entirely changed as the Nerazzurri have a higher average age, wage bill and transfer market value. As reported by Tuttosport, the average age of the Nerazzurri players is 29.2, against Juventus’ 24.2. Inter’s team is also worth €673.3m against Juventus €593, while the wage bill is €141.7m at San Siro and €113.6 at the Allianz Stadium. The Nerazzurri are the defending Scudetto champions and are currently five points below leaders Napoli with a game in hand. Juventus are one point below Inter in third position.
Where to Watch Inter vs Juventus
The game will be broadcast live on OneFootball in the UK and Paramount+ in the USA. Fans in Australia and New Zealand can watch Inter-Juventus on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS CONNECT. Both DAZN and Sky Sport Italia will broadcast the San Siro big match in Italy.
Key Injuries for Both Teams
Inter and Juventus meet in the Derby d’Italia with many absentees, as both Simone Inzaghi and Thiago Motta face an injury emergency which will keep players such as Hakan Calhanoglu and Teun Koopmeiners out of action. It kicks off at 18:00 CET at the San Siro (17:00 GMT) in Milan.
Nerazzurri coach Inzaghi confirmed Kristjan Asllani is his first option to replace the Turkey international, but his fitness will be assessed today since he trained for the first time on Friday after returning from a slight injury. Nicolò Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan will complete Inter’s midfield, while Benjamin Pavard and Matteo Darmian are reportedly favoured to get a start over Yann Bisseck and Denzel Dumfries. Stefan De Vrij will replace the injured Francesco Acerbi, with Lautaro and Marcus Thuram returning to the Nerazzurri starting XI after their mid-week Champions League fixture at Young Boys.
Juventus manager Thiago Motta has limited options in the middle of the park, where Manuel Locatelli and Weston McKennie should play as holding midfielders, with Nicolò Fagioli fielded in a more advanced role behind striker Dusan Vlahovic. Kenan Yildiz could be dropped from the starting line-up to make room for Francisco Conceição as an offensive left winger, with Timothy Weah likely to play on the opposite flank. Danilo is expected to play alongside Pierre Kalulu in the Bianconeri’s four-man defence, as 21-year-old Savona should be the right full-back.
The Numbers Don't Lie: Inter and Juventus' Shifting Dynamics
This clash between Inter and Juventus has become much more than just a rivalry. It's a microcosm of the shifting dynamics in Italian football. Juventus, the team that once epitomized experience and established stars, are now embracing youth and a new identity. Inter, on the other hand, are relying on their veteran core to maintain their dominance. The average age of the teams reveals a fascinating shift in strategies: Inter, with their higher average age, are a team built on experience and solidity. Juventus, with their younger roster, are a team fueled by dynamism and potential. This Sunday's Derby d’Italia will be a battle of two different approaches, two distinct visions for success. Will Inter's experience prevail, or will Juventus' youthful energy take center stage? The answer will be revealed on the pitch at the San Siro.
The Future of Italian Football: A Derby d’Italia with a Twist
The Derby d’Italia has always been a clash of titans, a battle between two of the most successful clubs in Italian football. But this year, it’s a match that transcends the usual rivalry. It’s a battle for the future of Italian football, a clash of two distinct philosophies. Juventus are embracing a new identity, one built on youth and potential, while Inter are leveraging the experience of their veteran core to maintain their grip on the Serie A title. This is not just a match between two clubs, it’s a window into the evolution of Italian football, a glimpse into the future of the sport in the country. As Inter and Juventus take to the field, the eyes of the Italian football world will be watching. And the results will be a reflection of not just the two teams, but the entire trajectory of the Italian game.
