European leagues: leaders meet in Milan derby

With the international break over, Europe's domestic leagues are back, having resumed on Friday 17 September. This weekend's menu features three standout fixtures, including Inter Milan, who host AC Milan, and Lille, who travel to Rennes. There is also Lazio, who will take on Juventus.

Inter v Milan: the traditional Milan derby

It has become a Serie A classic: the two teams from Milan going head to head in the same stadium. After Inter's Champions League semi-final win last season, the two sides meet in the league this Saturday 17 September (16:00 GMT). The Nerazzurri have lost key players such as André Onana and Marcelo Brozovic but remain formidable, as their start to the season shows. Inter have won their first 3 games, scoring 8 goals and conceding none. On top of that, the 2021 Italian champions hold a psychological edge over their neighbours. Inter have lost only once in the last 5 meetings (4 wins). They will want to maintain that advantage over their bitter rivals.

At the other end of the city, the Rossoneri have their own strengths too. Like the Nerazzurri, the Milanese have also won their 3 Serie A games this season, including a very important one away to Roma (2-1). The departure of Sandro Tonali does not seem to have affected the team. They have also managed to bring in other players such as Pulisić, Chukwueze and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who are settling into a squad that is gradually regaining its former prestige. The Rossoneri will, however, have to do without their prolific striker, Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman was injured during the international break.

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Juventus v Lazio: putting the record straight

Last season was a nightmare for Juventus. Having thought they would finish in the big 5 and secure Champions League qualification, the Old Lady had a points deduction confirmed. They ended up 7th. It was a heavy blow they will certainly want to put behind them this season, and Juventus look well on course to do so. The Bianconeri have 2 wins and a draw, which puts them in 3rd place. This Saturday 17 September, they face Lazio (12th), who finished 2nd in the league last season. With 3 wins in the previous 5 meetings, Juve have a fairly positive record against the Rome club. Moreover, despite the problems of their season and Lazio's good form, the Old Lady came out on top in the first meeting with a comfortable win (3-1). Another victory over the Romans could signal that Juve are on their way back to reclaiming their place in the big 4.

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Rennes v Lille: a chance for Lille revenge?

Narrowly pipped by Rennes last season (4th), Lille (5th) may be hungry for revenge on this trip to Brittany on Saturday 17 September (15:00 GMT). For that, the Lille side can draw on their unbeaten run against Rennes over the last 5 matches (3 wins, 2 draws). Their last win, against Montpellier (1-0) before the international break, can also be a positive as they prepare for this tricky trip, especially as the Dogues took a real hammering in Brittany this season against Lorient (4-0) in matchday 3 of Ligue 1. What's more, they are a poor travelling side and will face a Rennes team unbeaten this season (one win, 3 draws). The Bretons will also want to return to winning ways after their 3 consecutive draws and can count on Amine Gouiri, who has made a good start to the season.

📋 Il menù della 4ª giornata, propone : pic.twitter.com/wjcjunxI4l

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA) September 15, 2023