Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi says there are "no favourties" as his side prepare to face Juventus in the Italian Super Cup final on Wednesday evening.
This article was originally published on 11th January 2022
The Nerazzurri take on the Bianconeri in what is essentially the Italian version of the Community Shield in England - the winners of the league versus the winners of the Coppa Italia.
Inter won the league last season by 12 points and are top once again despite losing manager Antonio Conte during the summer, along with star striker Romelu Lukaku.
It has been an excellent title defence so far as they sit a point ahead of city rivals AC Milan, and they can be backed to lift the Italian Super Cup trophy at 4/11.
Juventus meanwhile are fifth with Max Allegri back for a second spell as he tries to secure Champions League football for another season. Juve can be backed at 2/1 to lift the trophy.
Inzaghi not taking Juve lightly
Despite dominating Italian football for nearly a decade, Juventus have now been knocked off their perch in what is a far more competitive division.
Inter won the league last season by 12 points but this season looks like it could go down to the wire with just eight points covering the top four.
The Old Lady are fifth in the table and are desperately clinging pon to try and finish in the Champions League places next season.
However, they certainly know all about winning this trophy - they have won every edition since 2011 and are looking to make it ten back-to-back wins.
Despite the disparity in league position, Inzaghi reckons it will be a very close-fought game.
"It's a final; there are no favourites," he said. "I've taken part in this match both as a player and as a coach. We're facing a team which is on form; last Sunday they made an incredible comeback to win in style.
"Juventus know all about playing in finals. We're in great form ourselves; we'll give the best account of ourselves to give the fans some joy. the level of motivation will be key but it will, of course, come down to fine margins on the day."
Both teams have the feel-good factor
Inter have lost only one game this season and have won each of their last eight in Serie A.
The 2-1 win against Lazio at the weekend ended a run of six consecutive cleans sheets and their defensive record is only bettered by Napoli in Serie A.
Juve are unbeaten in each of their seven matches and mounted a very impressive comeback to beat Jose Mourinho's Roma 4-3 at the weekend.
Chiesa injury adds to Juve's worries
That win came at a cost for Juve as they lost star attacker Federico Chiesa for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury.
While Inter have a fully fit squad to choose from, Allegri will be scratching his head as he has to cope with many absentees.
Leonardo Bonucci and Danilo are on the treatment table also while Matthijs De Ligt and Juan Cuadrado are serving suspensions.
Veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini has only just returned from an absence himself but he may be thrust into the line up for the final on Wednesday.
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