Juventus v Inter Milan

Saturday 2nd 19.45

THE ‘Derby of Italy’ was a fitting description of this explosive fixture by sports journalist Gianni Brera back in 1967.

Battle will once again commence on Saturday for the pride of fans, managers and players alike in this showpiece match of Italian football. 

Perhaps comparable to the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool in England, Juve and Inter are statistically Italy’s top two sides- having collectively won 46 Serie A titles. 

The game will be sweetened by the fact that if the Bianconeri can get a result they will have achieved 50 league games unbeaten- eight behind the record set by AC Milan in the early 90’s. 

Both historically speaking and judging on current form Juventus are the favourites, having not lost at home to Inter since January 2008. They are odds on to with William Hill at 8/11.

Inter’s start to the campaign has been almost as impressive as Juve’s, notching up eight wins from ten means they currently reside second in Serie A. 

This really will be the biggest test so far for last season’s champions as Cassano and Milito have proved the most devastating strike partnership in the league. 

VERDICT: I predict a high scoring stalemate, go for 2-2 at 16/1 with William Hill. 

AC Milan v Chievo 

Saturday 2nd 17.00

WE have to go back to 2005 to find a Chievo win against the red half of Milan, but in the current disastrous form anything is possible. 

Milan have yet to manage consecutive back to back victories this season and a mid week draw against Palermo has done little to stave off criticism for head coach Allegri. 

After an awful start to the season, losing five games on the trot, Chievo will be hoping they can build on a Halloween victory against Pescara- they are at 3/1 to draw with Sky Bet. 

The man to watch in this one will be Milan’s young Egyptian dynamo- El Shaarawy. Despite only recently celebrating his 20th birthday he is AC’s and Serie A’s top scorer with seven hitting the back of the net so far this season. 

Many have seen this young forward as the only man keeping Allegri’s head from rolling and if he scores again on Saturday Milan's coach will breathe another sigh of relief. 

VERDICT: Milan win with El Shaarawy to score first, 9/2 with William Hill.