With the build up to this weekend’s clash between Juventus and Inter Milan at the Allianz Stadium, 2010 Treble winner, Julio Cesar, has been back in front of the media, and he is tipping the I Nerazzurri to emerge victorious over The Old Lady.
Speaking to the Milan based newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport for an interview that was carried in Tuesday’s print edition (hat tip FCInterNews), the 44 year old former 87 capped Brazilian international goalkeeper, was also asked about the performance levels of current stopper, Yann Sommer.
With the Derby d’Italia taking place in Turin this coming Sunday, Cesar noted just how special these games could be, and in his view particularly for Inter, having spent the best part of his own playing career with them. He also more than acknowledged that despite the usual showpiece occasion it would be, with the associated emotions, this game does hold more significance when you look at the table given the two point gap that currently separates both sides in the race for the title.
“My favourite Derby d’Italia was the 2-0 win in the Treble season. With goals from Maicon and Eto’o. Matches against Juve are always unlike any other matches. But Inter will win this one I think. They go into the match with great statistics to back them up.”
Fans of both clubs will greet his words entirely differently, but given his playing association it is probably no surprise to see him back his former club.
With Andre Onana moving on to Manchester United during the summer, experienced 34 year old goalkeeper Sommer was drafted in from German Bundesliga side Bayern Munich, and the 90 capped Switzerland international has settled into life at the club quite quickly – impressing plenty with his performance levels.
“He’s proving to be a very reliable goalkeeper. But at the same time, it’s hard to make comparisons to anyone else.”
26 year old Argentine international striker, Lautaro Martinez, was also subject to a comment or two in the interview. His talent has been obvious to all for the last few years and since his move to Inter, but he seems to have stepped up a further gear in recent times (not least the part he played in his country lifted the 2020 World Cup) and he has again been in phenomenal form this year, scoring 12 times in only 11 starts.
“I like Lautaro a lot, he is a very strong striker and also a team player. I hope he also scores against Juve.”
Given his form, it would be daft to bet against him.
