Ex Inter Milan & Juventus Midfielder Predicts Champions League Factor In Derby D’Italia: ‘Juventus Will Have One Eye On PSV’ | OneFootball

Former midfielder Hernanes believes that Juventus will “have one eye” on their Champions League clash with PSV against Inter Milan.

The Brazilian, formerly of both the Nerazzurri and the Bianconeri, spoke to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, ahead of tomorrow’s Derby d’Italia clash.

Inter Milan avoided having to play a playoff tie for the Champions League knockout rounds.

The Nerazzurri went straight to the round of sixteen of the competition. They did so by finishing in the top eight of the “league phase” table.

The same was not true, however, of Inter’s Serie A rivals Juventus.

The Bianconeri have had to play against PSV in a two-legged tie this month.

Hernanes: “Juventus Will Have One Eye On PSV Tie” Vs Inter Milan

Inter Milan saw it as a big sigh of relief that they managed to avoid two extra matches in February.

That means that the Nerazzurri have gotten a couple weeks in which to rest up and train rather than having to play in midweek.

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That is a rare and precious commodity at this stage of the season.

And former midfielder Hernanes noted that “Juve will have to concentrate their energy on the second leg against PSV in the Champions League.”

“And so they’ll have to keep a few players in reserve for that match. And manage their energy in view of that match – it’s a huge match at the moment.”

“Inter are in a quiet period both in Italy in Europe,” Hernanes continued. “They have a big squad with a lot of quality.”

“But the backups can’t necessarily guarantee the same level of quality as the staters.”

“Then there’s the factor of the environment,” Hernanes said of tomorrow’s match.

“Playing at Juve’s home ground also makes a difference.”

Therefore, the Bazilian said that “I predict a draw.”