Serie A - Week 15: Saturday Review

A magnificent Claudio Marchisio goal earned Juventus a 2-1 victory over Serie A leaders Inter in a fiery Derby d'Italia, with AC Milan's 3-0 thrashing of Sampdoria further tightening the situation at the top of the table.

Juventus 2-1 Inter
Juventus won the Derby d'Italia 2-1 against Inter to reduce the Nerazzurri's lead at the top of Serie A. A free-kick that appeared to deflect in off Inter defender Lucio put the home side ahead in the 21st minute of a tense yet intriguing match at Turin's Stadio Olimpico. Inter coach Jose Mourinho was furious the free-kick had been given and he ironically applauded referee Massimiliano Saccani, who sent him to the stands. However, Samuel Eto'o brought Inter level five minutes later but a goal worthy of winning any match from Claudio Marchisio earned the Bianconeri three crucial points on the hour mark. Juve even had Felipe Melo sent off for an elbow on Mario Balotelli, an incident which sparked a massive scuffle in the closing stages, but they held on for a win that moves them to within five points of Inter, who now lead AC Milan by only four points.

Milan 3-0 Sampdoria
AC Milan completed a miserable seven days for Sampdoria with a comfortable win at the San Siro to cut the lead on Serie A leaders and city rivals Inter to four points. All the goals came in the first quarter of the game with Marco Borriello putting the Rossoneri ahead in the first minute and Clarence Seedorf adding a second after 21 minutes. Ronaldinho was in inspired form, creating the first two goals, and fellow Brazilian Alexandre Pato completed Milan's fifth straight win two minutes later to pile the misery on the Blucerchiati, who could've lost by an even heavier scoreline. The visitors have now lost three games in the last week following a 3-0 reverse in the Genoa derby last Saturday and their elimination from the Coppa Italia at the hands of Livorno in midweek.

SERIE A REVIEW:
[Saturday 5 December] - [Sunday 6 December]