By Martin Kennel
Published yesterday at 11:37 p.m., Updated yesterday at 11:37 p.m.
Benjamin Pavard muzzled Dusan Vlahovic during Inter Milan’s 1-0 win over Juventus. REUTERS
After Inter Milan’s great victory against Juventus Turin in the shock of the 23rd day of Serie A, find out what caught the attention of the editorial staff.
TOPS
Impeccable paving
Excellent match from Benjamin Pavard this evening. Inter’s number 28 is comfortable in this 3-way defense. Often criticized during his performances for the French team, Pavard is however effective in his preferred position. The Frenchman recovered 6 balls, blocked dangerous offensives and completed 93% of his passes. Very clean.
Calhanoglu et Mkhitaryan font mal
This midfield duo is exceptional. The Turk, who returned from suspension, has crazy passing quality. 94% of successful passes, 100% of duels won, 100% of successful dribbles, a shot on the post… It’s a very high level. His teammate, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, is not to be outdone at the age of 35. The Armenian was again very active in the midfield. The understanding between the two is a real strong point of Inter Milan.
Szczesny’s masterful judgment
The judgment may seem anecdotal in view of the result, but it remains to be underlined. Marko Arnautovic, freshly entered into play, receives a cross from the right and finds himself in an ideal position. The Juventus goalkeeper crosses the entire goal in the time of the pass and extends himself to his full length to intervene on the Austrian striker’s shot who was nevertheless one step ahead.
FLOPS
Vlahovic inefficace
The Serbian striker remained on a very good streak: 6 goals in the league in the month of January. This Sunday evening, he was silent. Worse, he did not weigh at all on the opposing defense, notably well muzzled by the presence of Benjamin Pavard. Synonymous with his helplessness, Dusan Vlahovic failed to control his team’s only opportunity in the first half when he was in an ideal position. A match to forget.
Juventus cannot do it against Inter
Lately, Juventus can no longer do it in the “Italian derby”. Over the last 10 confrontations, the Old Lady club has won only twice. This Sunday, this defeat is above all more important than a statistic. It allows Inter Milan to have a comfortable little mattress with 4 points in advance having played one match less. Behind, the other Milan also picks up 4 points.
