Former Inter and Juventus player Jugovic predicts Derby d’Italia battle | OneFootball

Vladimir Jugovic has played for both Inter and Juventus, so he looks ahead to the Derby d’Italia by analysing the teams, and revealing which Thuram he’d pick between Marcus and Khephren.

Serie A is currently on a break for international duty, but resumes with a huge fixture, as Inter and Juventus will go head-to-head in Turin on Saturday September 13.

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 27: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus scores his team’s third goal 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)

La Gazzetta dello Sport called on Jugovic to give his predictions, as he wore the Juve jersey from 1995 to 1997, then represented Inter from 1999 to 2001.

“It is the match that means the most to the fans, but as always, it also depends on the moment they are going through,” said the retired midfielder.

“Inter have the opportunity to bounce back straight away after their defeat to Udinese, while it’s the ideal chance for Juventus to confirm a strong start to the season.”

Jugovic knows Inter and Juventus well

NETHERLANDS – APRIL 09: FUSSBALL: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 96/97 A.AMSTERDAM-J.TURIN 1:2 9.4.97, Vladimir JUGOVIC/Juventus Turin (Photo by Bernd Lauter/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Juve are one of only four teams with a 100 per cent record after two Serie A rounds, along with Napoli, Roma and unexpectedly Cremonese.

“Igor Tudor arrived in March, took Juventus into the Champions League and had a decent Club World Cup campaign, so you can see the team has an identity and the locker room seems to get along with the coach.

“The only thing that counts at Juventus is the result, I learned that in Turin, as did Igor. When you wear that jersey, you have to win. The return of Bremer is also no coincidence, as defending well is the first step to winning, and having him fit again is worth the same as a great new signing.”

The Derby d’Italia has always been a bitter rivalry, which only intensified in the years since the Calciopoli scandal of 2006.

“Beating Inter is worth more than three points. It is also a matter of confidence and enthusiasm, and would confirm the positive sensations of the first two rounds. It is a test to see if Juve really can challenge for the Scudetto, although for the moment Napoli remain the favourites, as Antonio Conte is a winner.”

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Lautaro Martinez of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter appointed Cristian Chivu in June after Simone Inzaghi walked away for Al-Hilal, but life has been a little trickier in adapting to his squad.

“I trust Beppe Marotta, who remains the best Italian director, so I’m sure he knows what he’s doing with Chivu,” assured Jugovic.

It is going to be a family affair, with Thuram brothers Marcus and Khephren facing off on the field. Given the choice, which would Jugovic choose?

“Khephren. I was a midfielder, so I will always cheer on someone in my role. I also feel Teun Koopmeiners deserves another chance, it doesn’t make sense to pay so much for a player and then give up on him so quickly, as he can become an ideal player for Tudor.”

When it comes to who will be decisive in the Derby d’Italia, Jugovic points to the Juventus attack.

“I think Kenan Yildiz can stand out, he seems to have a good record in this fixture. It’s good that Juve have so many talented strikers, as competition is positive at top clubs. In my day we had Gianluca Vialli, Fabrizio Ravanelli, Michele Padovano, Alessandro Del Piero, then Christian Vieri, Alen Boksic… Being able to alternate between forwards is a good advantage when they are made to work harder nowadays.”