It is time for the game of games, the Scudetto showdown and the bitter grudge-match otherwise known as the Derby d’Italia.

This has always been a battle royal, but in recent years with Calciopoli and the contested 2005-06 title that rivalry cranked up several gears. Sometimes this has taken a nasty turn and fears remain that the referee might have to suspend play if Juventus fans repeat racist chants against Mario Balotelli. The club has done everything possible to discourage these offensive attacks, including an open letter from Mariella Scirea, the widow of Bianconeri legend Gaetano.

Last season it was a dramatic 1-1 draw, as Balotelli’s goal was cancelled out in stoppages by Zdenek Grygera. Super Mario has an excellent record in Turin, netting a brace here in the 2008 Coppa Italia for a 3-2 victory. In Serie A Inter’s last win in this city was sealed by a lone Julio Cruz strike on April 20, 2005, but the last two editions have ended 1-1.

Such a result would not be acceptable to the Bianconeri now, as they already trail the leaders by eight points and were leapfrogged by Milan last weekend. The 2-0 defeat at Cagliari was an example of all that has gone wrong with their Scudetto push so far, dropping points to the smaller clubs. Giorgio Chiellini fractured his nose yet again in that tie, but will be able to play with the aid of his trusty protective mask. No such luck for David Trezeguet and Vincenzo Iaquinta, who are unlikely to recover in time.

Felipe Melo is not 100 per cent fit, but above all has been in dire form recently, so should make way for Christian Poulsen and Momo Sissoko. The current crisis could prompt Ciro Ferrara to adopt a diamond midfield, setting Diego up as the bridge to Amauri and Alessandro Del Piero. It is a more solid system than the 4-2-3-1 and provides better protection against Inter’s notorious counter-attacks.

On Friday afternoon Inter will learn if Douglas Maicon can play, as his appeal against a two-match ban for insulting the match official comes to the Disciplinary Commission. If the Brazilian is not forgiven, then Javier Zanetti should again take the right-back role, as Davide Santon is also injured.

The big change regards Wesley Sneijder, who has still not been training regularly due to that on-going knee problem. There’s very little hope of seeing the Dutchman, so Dejan Stankovic – who so nearly joined Juventus – supports Samuel Eto’o and Diego Milito. Ricardo Quaresma had a rare start in last week’s 1-0 victory over Fiorentina and impressed, but he too is struggling with a fitness problem.

Will the Nerazzurri continue to be dominant in Serie A and terminate Juve’s Scudetto hopes, or can the Bianconeri break the title race wide open as well as puncture the tyres of their bitter rivals? Tune in Saturday to find out.

Keep an eye on: Dejan Stankovic (Inter) – Hated only marginally less than Balotelli by the Juventus fans, his transfer to Turin was all sealed until the supporters refused to accept him. Jose Mourinho is thankful for their anger, as Stankovic has been on excellent form this season and it’s his job to take the trequartista role in Turin.

Last five in Serie A: Juventus (W L W W L) Inter (W W D W W)

Last season: Juventus 1-1 Inter

Juve's open letter to fans

Juventus President Jean-Claude Blanc sent an open letter to the fans urging them to avoid “excessive or offensive” chants.

There are fears that Saturday’s Scudetto showdown with Inter could be suspended if supporters aim racist insults at Mario Balotelli.

Mariella Scirea, the widow of Juve legend Gaetano Scirea, wrote an open letter to the fans and now President Blanc has followed suit.

“We want the two games against Inter and Bayern Munich to be a battle on the field and a party off it, with heated and passionate support,” read the letter.

“But it must never be excessive or, worse, offensive. As for us, we are facing the next few days with the effort and pride of the big appointment.

“Know that Juventus have the duty to step on to the field with a single objective: to win.

“At the same time, we are fully aware of the importance that our fan clubs have for us. Your support, the clean style of cheering on Juventus in every game around the country, will be the best way to give us an extra push and the best response to those who are trying to paint all of our fans as uncivilised.

“I am certain that we will all together, players, club and fans, prove what the Juventus style really is.”

President Blanc and patron John Elkann visited the Vinovo training ground today and talked with the squad in the locker room.

http://www.football-italia.net/dec3o.html

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L.O.L! They'll stop when everyone else does, ie: never. The Curva Scirea might pay attention to Mariella Scirea but they don't give a shit about these lot running the club.

anything less than a win would shatter juves dreams for the scudetto if its not already over

i think it will be a draw tbh

1-1 maybe

haha heard what Zamparini said ? "even black people hate Balotelli"

Yeah

Juventus at home and playing for a lot more than Inter but are in vastly worse form. A draw seems quite likely.

If you jump Balotelli dies

ffs how many times do i have to jump before hearing any bloody news

Come on Juve

Spirito Della Juventus will come through -- This will be our turning point of the season.

Se saltelli, muore Balotelli

I'm not confident at all lol. We desperately need the first goal or we have lost, even if they score in the first minute.

I can see us outplaying them but them scoring a simple goal or so, we desperately need some solidity.

Who's refereeing the match? Yes, Mr Saccani of Siena-Inter fame:



Thought as anti-Juve, they pick him as ref for Juve-Inter

You were only six yards offside Douglas, to be fair.

Oh yes, I am mature. And crap with gfx

I heard Buffon was injured..

He is playing this game. His situation is the same as it has been for two months, he needs surgery but will wait until after the Bayern game.

Oh FFS.

imo, field all the players that went down to B with Juve, they'll feel this game more than anyone.

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso; Felipe Melo, Sissoko, Marchisio; Diego; Del Piero, Amauri

Juventus bench: Manninger, Legrottaglie, Grygera, Poulsen, Camoranesi, Giovinco, Trezeguet


Inter: Julio Cesar; Zanetti, Samuel, Lucio, Chivu; Muntari, Cambiasso, Thiago Motta; Stankovic; Eto'o, Milito

Inter bench: Toldo, Materazzi, Cordoba, Khrin, Vieira, Mancini, Balotelli

i just love watching other teams trying to emulate Spalletti's 4-2-3-1, unfortunately nobody can get it right, not even Spalletti himself.

no doubt about that

I put ESPN on and they are still talking about fucking Man City-Chelsea, cunts.

Forza ragazzi!!

Juve the better team early on although Milito just made a dangerous chance for Inter. Juve need to capitalise before Inter take over.

Inter appealing for a penalty everytime a guy goes down in the box, Juve started strong though.

Motta was basically holding Del Piero in a bear hug at that corner.

wtf?


Good effort Made me laugh anyway and not just for your half-arsed attempt lol

Spotted this is on my bet365 stream today and thought it might be worth a watch

Se saltelli, muore Balotelli

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL MELOOOOOOOOOO

if you jump Balotelli dies

1-0!

Mourinho sent off.

lol have that jose.

Juve score in 20th, Inter and Jose not happy, sent away

CESAR YOU FUCKING PLANK HAHAHA

Mourinho has been sent off lol.

I just got it. They should do a sequel of

DEL PIEROOOOOOOOOO LEGEND

jose

Dirty scumbag Muntari, who the fuck pulls hair.

Melo needs to watch himself

Samuel header saved.

Oh dear...

What the fuck kind of marking is that shit, tossers.

And it takes Inter only 4 minutes to equalise.

Eto'o 1-1 26'

Crouchy

Game on!!

Fucking dire, this is why we won't win jack shit this year. More like Udinese in defence than Juventus.