In a match that defied expectation and logic, Juventus emerged victorious against Inter Milan in a breathtaking 4-3 encounter, solidifying their perfect start to the season while leaving their rivals pondering defensive frailties and tactical choices.
The Derby d`Italia is rarely a dull affair, but September 13, 2025, etched itself into the annals of Italian football history as a spectacle of relentless attacking, defensive lapses, and sheer unpredictable drama. The Allianz Stadium was a cauldron of emotions, witnessing seven goals, a captivating Turkish duel, a brotherly showdown, and a dramatic late winner that sent the Bianconeri faithful into raptures.
A Whirlwind Opening: Goals and Gambles
From the first whistle, the game crackled with intensity, though perhaps not always with precision. Inter initially showed glimpses of dominance, yet it was Juventus who struck first. In the 14th minute, an unlikely hero emerged: Kelly. The defender`s left-footed strike, following a well-worked play initiated by Locatelli and Bremer, wrong-footed Inter`s goalkeeper Sommer, giving Juventus an unexpected early lead. It was a goal that perhaps even Kelly himself struggled to believe, marking him as only the second Englishman to score in this storied rivalry in Serie A since the 1960s.
Juventus coach Tudor, fielding a side without new summer acquisitions, placed his trust in familiar faces, with Kalulu wide on the right and McKennie on the left. On the trequartista, Yildiz partnered Koopmeiners behind striker Vlahovic. Inter, under Chivu, opted for Carlos Augusto over Dimarco and debuted Akanji, keeping the formidable “ThuLa” (Thuram-Lautaro) partnership upfront. Barella immediately sought to impress, narrowly missing the target within four minutes. McKennie then offered Inter a golden opportunity with a misplaced pass, but Mkhitaryan`s crucial touch let him down.
The Turkish Tango and Relentless Responses
The match then evolved into a fascinating “Turkish” narrative, primarily centered around Juventus`s Kenan Yildiz and Inter`s Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Yildiz, often winning his personal battle against a subdued Lautaro, was a constant threat. After a beautiful combination with Vlahovic was thwarted by Akanji, it was Çalhanoğlu who brought Inter level on the half-hour mark with an assist from Carlos Augusto. Yet, Yildiz quickly restored Juventus`s lead, netting his third career goal against Inter – a remarkable feat given his young career – in a dazzling display of individual brilliance.
But this match was not one for retaining leads. Çalhanoğlu, seemingly undeterred by any defensive scrutiny, responded with a magnificent chest trap and volley for his second goal. His performance, while not “impeccable” by some standards, was undoubtedly impactful, keeping Inter in the fight. The introduction of Zielinski, Bonny, and Dimarco in the 64th minute—replacing Carlos Augusto, Barella, and Lautaro—initially appeared to rejuvenate Inter, with Zielinski providing the assist for Çalhanoğlu`s equalizer. Chivu`s substitutions were bold, but ultimately proved insufficient.
The intensity of the Derby d`Italia was palpable, with celebrations for every hard-fought goal.
The Thuram Show and Adzic`s Dagger
With the score locked at 2-2, the game escalated into an even more enthralling “Thuram Show.” In the 76th minute, from a Dimarco corner, Inter`s Marcus Thuram rose highest, beating Kalulu and Cabal to head home, putting Inter in front for the first time. The away section erupted, though Marcus, perhaps in a subtle nod to his father Lilian`s Juventus past, did not overtly celebrate. The elder Thuram, present in the stands, wouldn`t have to wait long for a reason to cheer. Just six minutes later, from a Yildiz free-kick, it was Khephren Thuram, Marcus`s younger brother and a Juventus player, who also scored with a header, leveling the score once more at 3-3. The familial rivalry, played out in the heat of a derby, added an unforgettable layer to the drama.
Yet, the story wasn`t quite finished. Coach Tudor, proving his mettle with decisive late changes, brought on the 19-year-old Adzic in the 74th minute. It was Adzic, fed by the younger Thuram, who produced the career-defining moment. His long-range strike, a “pearl” of a goal, nestled into the net, sealing a sensational 4-3 victory for Juventus. Sommer, Inter`s goalkeeper, would likely be replaying these goals in his mind for some time, as several found their way past him, leading to critical discussions among fans about his form.
Aftermath: Joy, Frustration, and Lingering Questions
The final whistle blew, leaving Juventus with maximum points and a jubilant atmosphere. Inter, conversely, found themselves rooted at a mere three points, grappling with a defeat that felt both unfair given their possession, yet undeniably deserved due to their defensive frailties and goalkeeping missteps. The comments from fans after the match painted a clear picture: Inter`s defense was widely criticized as a “sieve,” Chivu`s substitutions questioned, and Sommer`s performance deemed below par. Many noted Inter`s “dominance” in ball possession but a lack of decisive shots on target, while Juventus, often playing on the counter, proved clinical when it mattered.
This Derby d`Italia was a testament to the unpredictable nature of football. Juventus showed resilience and an uncanny ability to capitalize on chances, propelled by youthful talent like Yildiz and the late heroics of Adzic. Inter, despite individual brilliance from Çalhanoğlu and Marcus Thuram, must now address significant tactical and defensive issues as they look to salvage their season. As one fan aptly summarized, “The beauty of football: eight minutes earlier, it would have been a deserved defeat.” Instead, it was an unforgettable victory, leaving the Serie A landscape buzzing with excitement and intrigue.
Murray Blackwood