- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 5 Oct, 2025
When Juventus stunned Inter Milan 4‑3 at the Allianz Stadium on September 13, 2025, the city of Turin buzzed with the kind of excitement only a Derby d'Italia can deliver. The drama peaked in stoppage time when substitute Vasilije Adzic hauled the ball home, cementing a perfect start in the 2025‑26 Serie A season. Fans left the arena with throbbing hearts and a fresh league table that now shows the Bianconeri perched at the summit with nine points.
Background: A Rivalry Renewed
The Derby d'Italia isn’t just another fixture; it’s a century‑old contest where bragging rights can sway a club’s morale for months. Juventus entered the third round riding a two‑game winning streak, while Inter were desperate to bounce back after a shaky opening. Both teams had already announced new signings in the summer window – Juventus with a midfield overhaul and Inter banking on the creativity of Hakan Çalhanoglu, the Turkish play‑maker who made his league debut earlier this season.
Match Overview: Seven Goals in 90 Minutes
The first half was a whirlwind. Lloyd Kelly opened the scoring in the 14th minute, threading a low finish after a clever pass from Bremer. The English defender’s goal seemed to set the tone, but Çalhanoglu answered back on the half‑hour mark, slipping past the Juventus backline with a right‑footed strike that left the crowd buzzing.
Before the break, Kenan Yildiz restored the lead for the home side, latching onto a cross and heading beyond the keeper. The scoreboard read 2‑1 at the break, and the narrative felt like a traditional Juventus‑first‑move, Inter‑second‑move script.
Key Moments: The Second‑Half Swings
The second half lived up to the hype. Çalhanoglu, still hungry, struck again in the 65th minute, this time with an assist from Piotr Zielinski that slipped through the midfield press. The game was level again, 2‑2, and the tension rose.
Just eleven minutes later, Inter seized the initiative. Marcus Thuram rose above the Juventus defenders, nodding home a corner delivered by Federico Dimarco. The visitors celebrated their first lead, 3‑2, and the momentum seemed to shift.
But Juventus were not finished. Khephren Thuram drew a foul, and minutes later, in the 82nd minute, he rose to meet a cross from Yildiz, deflecting the ball into the net for a 3‑3 equaliser. The stadium erupts – a sea of black and white chants echoing across the pitch.
Then came the climax: deep into added time, Adzic, who had entered the fray in the 17th minute, tucked away a right‑footed strike from outside the box. The ball swerved into the top‑left corner, leaving the Inter keeper grasping at air. The final whistle blew, sealing a 4‑3 victory for Juventus.
Tactical Analysis: Why Juventus Were More Clinical
- Shot efficiency – Juventus turned 12 attempts into four goals, while Inter needed 18 shots for three.
- Set‑piece mastery – both teams earned a similar number of corners, but Juventus’ rehearsed routines produced a decisive goal.
- Defensive discipline – Juventus only conceded two yellow cards, maintaining composure in a high‑pressure environment.
- Substitutes impact – the Adzic cameo proved that depth can decide tight matches.
Statistically, Inter enjoyed 58.5% possession and completed 507 passes at 89.9% accuracy, out‑classing Juventus’ 41.5% possession and 361 passes at 83.4%. Yet, when it mattered, Juventus displayed a higher conversion rate, underlining a classic case of quality over quantity.
Reactions: Voices From the Pitch and the Stands
After the final whistle, Juventus coach Alessandro Tudor praised his side’s resilience: “We knew Inter would dominate possession, but our boys showed why they’re champions – they seize the moments that count.”
Inter’s captain, Samir Handanović, expressed disappointment yet optimism: “We created chances and gave ourselves chances. This loss hurts, but it’s a lesson. We’ll bounce back.”
Fans across Italy flooded social media with the hashtag #DerbyDrama, many highlighting Adzic’s heroics as a reminder that football can be a “roller‑coaster of emotions in 90 minutes.”
Looking Ahead: What This Means For Both Clubs
Juventus now sit atop a league that looks tighter than ever. Their next fixture is against Lazio, a test that will examine whether the Bianconeri can maintain this early momentum. For Inter, the road ahead features a clash with Napoli, a side that has also posted an impressive start. Both teams will need to fine‑tune their defensive structures, as the match statistics revealed vulnerability in the backlines.
Key Facts
- Date: 13 September 2025
- Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
- Final Score: Juventus 4 – 3 Inter Milan
- Goal Scorers: Lloyd Kelly, Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, Vasilije Adzic (Juventus); Hakan Çalhanoglu (2), Marcus Thuram (Inter)
- Attendance: 41,664 spectators
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Juventus’ win affect the Serie A title race?
The victory puts Juventus three points clear at the top with a perfect record, forcing rivals like Napoli and AC Milan to chase them. Early momentum often translates into confidence that can be decisive in a tight title race.
Which player stood out for Inter despite the loss?
Hakan Çalhanoglu was intermittently brilliant, providing both goals for Inter and creating chances from midfield. His vision kept Inter in the game, and many analysts believe he’ll be pivotal in their upcoming fixtures.
What tactical changes did Juventus make after falling behind?
Coach Tudor introduced more width by swapping the right‑back for a more attacking midfielder, allowing Vasilije Adzic to exploit space on the flank. The shift paid off, culminating in the winning goal from a wide position.
Will the referee’s decisions have any lasting impact?
Referee Andrea Colombo showed a tight hand, issuing only four yellow cards. No controversial decisions marred the game, meaning the result stands unquestioned and both clubs can focus on the upcoming schedule.
What does this match tell us about the importance of substitutes?
Adzic’s late winner underscores how depth can swing a high‑stakes match. Juventus’ bench contributed three of the four goals, illustrating that managers must trust their entire squad, not just the eleven starters.
Joshua Rainey
October 5, 2025 AT 06:49Wow, Juventus pull a miracle again, guess they finally remembered how to score when the clock’s about to die. Drama king mode activated, especially with that last‑minute slot from Adzic. I’m sure the fans were just ecstatic, screaming “we’re back!” while the pundits try to spin a new narrative. The stats? Juventus had less possession, yet they still managed to hit four. Guess it’s not about ball control, it’s about who can write the script.