Former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi believes Inter must find a way of managing the pressure ahead of their clash with the Bianconeri in the Derby d’Italia on Sunday.
The two rivals face off at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Serie A with Inter hoping to move seven points clear of Juventus with victory, though Tacchinardi warned that it would be a psychological battle as much as a physical one.
Speaking to Italian radio station TMW Web earlier today, Tacchinardi claimed that the gruelling Coppa Italia ties both teams came through in midweek could be a significant factor.
“Those who come into the game with more freshness will have a better chance of victory,” the former Italy international claimed. “We will see what the impact of the Coppa Italia is on these players.
“Should Inter lose, it would be a big psychological blow, but it also important for Juventus too. There is a lot of pressure on Inter and we must see if they have the personalities to handle that on the pitch.”
Inter go into the clash looking for a first win in three Serie A matches, whilst also hoping to maintain their Scudetto push. The Nerazzurri currently sit just three points behind league leaders AC Milan in the table.
Juventus, meanwhile, would close the gap on Inter to just a single point with victory on Sunday.
