The fitness of midfielder Manuel Locatelli for Sunday’s match between Juventus and Inter Milan will come down to a last-minute decision.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, report that the 25-year-old is hopeful of being ready for the match. But the timeline will be very tight.

Locatelli remains a doubt for Juventus ahead of the Derby d’Italia this weekend.

The 25-year-old is still suffering pain from a fractured rib.

This injury was enough to rule him out of international duty over the break. Locatelli was not part of the Italy squad that scraped qualification for the Euros against North Macedonia and Italy.

The Azzurri managed to cope without Locatelli.

But for Juventus, it would be if anything even more difficult.

Locatelli has been an absolutely crucial player for the Bianconeri this season.

Juventus coach Max Allegri has deployed the former AC Milan and Sassuolo player as the regista at the base of the midfield trio.

Locatelli has been an important presence both in and out of possession.

Defensively, the 25-year-old’s physicality, height, and defensive instincts have provided an important screen in front of the back three. Locatelli has more than played his part in the Bianconeri’s recent run of clean sheets.

And in possession, Locatelli’s range of passing has been Juventus’s creative heartbeat.

Manuel Locatelli Fitness A Last-Minute Decision For Juventus Vs Inter Clash

According to the Gazzetta, Locatelli is doing everything he can to be fit for Sunday’s match and believes that he can do it.

But the Italian international has yet to recover.

There are still a few days to go. But the closer the match gets without Locatelli being cleared, the more doubt there will be.

The Gazzetta anticipate that Locatelli will try and get fit right up until Sunday.

Then in the hours before kickoff, a final decision on the midfielder’s fitness can arrive.