Inter Milan vs Juventus - 5 key battles to watch in the Italian derby | Serie A 2021-22

#3 Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan) vs Alex Sandro (Juventus)

Barella could be a handful for Sandro.

An underrated operator in Inter Milan's team, Nicolo Barella was a revelation during their successful title run last season. He garnered attention for his creative skills and lung-bursting runs.

He's adept in winning back possession and starting quick attacking plays, something Alex Sandro will have to keep in mind when he drifts forward. If Sandro leaves too much space in behind, Barella could wreak havoc.

The Brazilian has a penchant for joining his team's attacks like a modern-day full-back. But against Barella, he'll have to be vigilant and muster all his defensive nous to negate the Italian's threat.

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#2 Alvaro Morata (Juventus) vs Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan)

Morata will look to add to his goal tally for Juventus this season.

It hasn't been the most spectacular start to his 2021-22 campaign, as he has scored only twice in the league from seven appearances. But Massimiliano Allegri will continue to pin his faith in Alvaro Morata to find the goals for Juventus on Sunday.

The Spaniard, who extended his loan spell at the club following an impressive 2020-21 campaign, is capable of linking up play between the lines. He is also adept in hold-up play.

Morata provided an excellent foil for Cristiano Ronaldo. He now does the same for whoever partners him up front as he bamboozles defences with his intelligent runs. Stefan de Vrij must be wary of that on Sunday.

De Vrij is a physically imposing defender who combines smart positioning with game-reading acumen. He is currently averaging over two clearances in Serie A and 1.6 tackles.

De Vrij will have to muster every ounce of his defensive nous to keep Morata in check. He must look to avoid giving the Juventus striker too much time and space on the ball.

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#1 Edin Dzeko (Inter Milan) vs Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)

Dzeko has proved everyone wrong with his talismanic displays for Inter Milan.

Many doubted Edin Dzeko's ability to lead the line for Inter Milan at 35, after the Bosnian was signed to replace the Chelsea-bound Romelu Lukaku. But with seven goals and three assists in 11 games so far, Dzeko has emphatically silenced his critics.

Not only has the former AS Roma striker slotted in seamlessly in Simone Inzaghi's set-up, but he has also proved that age is just a number.

His pace and directness make him a handful for defenders, so Leonardo Bonucci will have the enviable task of keeping Dzeko in check.

The veteran Juventus centre-back has good positional sense and is solid in tackling. He has got the better of Dzeko many times before. He will look to do so again on Sunday as Juventus seek another league win.