Ex Inter Milan & Lazio Midfielder Delivers His Derby d’Italia Forecast: “Inter Favorites Against Juventus” | OneFootball

Juan Sebastian Veron views Inter Milan as the favorites ahead of Saturday’s Derby d’Italia showdown against bitter rivals Juventus.

During an extensive interview with Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInter1908, Veron offered his prediction for the upcoming Serie A classic.

Fresh off a two-week hiatus from club football, Inter Milan will look to return to Serie A action with vengeance.

Indeed, after a 5-0 thrashing of Torino on the opening weekend, the Nerazzurri suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Udinese.

Therefore, new boss Cristian Chivu will be desperate to take three points in Turin as he aims to steady the ship.

However, that task is nothing short of formidable, with Juventus bidding to maintain their perfect start.

Unlike Inter, Igor Tudor’s charges won both league games before the international break without conceding.

Furthermore, the Turin giants have only lost one home match against Inter in Serie A since the start of 2014.

Juan Sebastian Veron Views Inter Milan as Favorites Ahead of Juventus Clash

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 27: Piotr Zielinski of FC Internazionale scores his team’s first goal from a penalty kick during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 27, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Despite Juventus’ strong start and a favorable home record against Inter, Veron gives the Nerazzurri a favorite tag.

Asked to describe the feelings surrounding this iconic fixture, Veron said: “It’s not easy. It’s a different game, one you feel already during the week.

“You prepare for it, you picture it, you dream about it. With only one thought in mind: to win it.

“You have to imagine a novel, a collection of stories where everyone can write their own piece of history.

“That happened to me, and I’m very proud of it.

“But what I liked most was the adrenaline of the event. Juventus has always been a prestigious and powerful club.

“Even when I watched Serie A on TV back in Argentina, Maradona’s Napoli was fighting to beat them.

“But generally, I believe that any player, when involved in such big games, gets more fired up than usual.

“The motivation rises- it’s normal. It happens to us players and to you journalists too, right?”

Then, he backed Inter to claim three points.

“It’s hard to predict, but I see Inter as the favorite, despite the doubts I hear around,” Veron stated.

Despite Inter’s barren run in Turin, the former Argentine midfielder gives them the benefit of the doubt.

“The team has a well-tested structure, they’re coming off an important run of results, and they seem ahead of Juventus to me.

“Let’s wait and see.”

Lautaro Martinez & Javier Zanetti

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano crosses the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Lautaro Martinez is still away on international duty with Argentina.

Moreover, El Toro will not return to Italy before Friday, raising concerns that he could be short on energy.

“I don’t know Chivu, so I can’t judge his work from afar. For sure, coaching Inter is never easy for anyone.

“The matter of bench experience only counts up to a certain point. What truly matters are qualities and personality.

“Cristian will be evaluated based on results, like every coach.

“As for Lautaro, he can always produce something even if he’s not at 100%. And Calhanoglu remains a great midfielder.”

However, Veron admits he is not in touch with Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti.

“I don’t speak to him very often, so I have no idea what’s really going on inside.

“But a team like Inter must always believe they can win. It doesn’t always happen.

“For example, last season ended without trophies despite going close in Serie A and the Champions League. However, ambition is essential.

“I think the real target is always the Champions League, after two lost finals.

“But it’s tough, because in Europe there are many obstacles to overcome.”

Finally, Veron told Inter to pay attention to Mikel Amondarain.

“In our league, many youngsters have great potential. But maybe before going to Inter, they should take an intermediate step in Europe, to avoid struggling with the big leap.

“In my team, I’d point out a very talented kid who’s emerging now, Mikel Amondarain.

“He’s a box-to-box midfielder with excellent prospects. But he’s only 20, let’s give him time.”