European soccer is officially off and running as the Champions League & Europa League Matchday 1 fixtures have kicked off. And although they have given us some amazing goals and a brilliant comeback by holders Real Madrid to start, it's now time to shift the focus to the weekend where club soccer shines. Here are the two can't miss soccer games to watch over the weekend.
1. The Derby d'Italia: Inter Milan vs Juventus
Starting off this is list is a classic Italian soccer fixture. Juventus and Inter Milan are two of the most successful clubs in the history of Italian soccer, and have been going at one-another since their first match in 1929. The rivalry has his new heights ever since the infamous Calciopoli scandal a decade ago. This will be the 183rd installment of this fascinating rivalry.
According to World Football, Juventus lead the all-time series between the clubs, with 83W-48D-51L. Last season, the clubs met 4 times in all competitions, with a 0-0 draw at the San Siro in Serie A in October, followed by a 2-0 victory for Juventus last February at the Juventus Stadium. The other two times were in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, where Juventus edged Inter 5-3 on penalties in the 2nd leg. They would then go on to win the cup a month later.
The Bianconeri and Nerazzurri, Juventus and Inter respectively as known by their colors, have had contrasting starts to this season. The reigning Serie A champions of the past 5 seasons, Juventus, are on fire winning their first 3 league games of the season, and currently sit 1st in the table on 9 points. Argentine big-money signing, Gonzalo Higuain, has scored 3 goals to start the season and seems to fit in perfectly at his new club.
Inter, however, are enduring a tough start to the campaign under new manager, Frank De Boer. The Dutchman will have his work cut out for him, as his team sits currently in 11th place on 4 points after winning only 1 of their first 3 games. They'll need to pick themselves up quickly after suffering a shock 2-0 defeat at home to last season's Isreali champions, Hapoel Beer Sheva in their Europa League on opener this past Thursday. They'll also hope Argentine striker Mauro Icardi continues his fine form to start this season, as he also has 3 goals to start the compaign.
Pride, bragging rights and most importantly, 3 points await the winner of this always important Italian match at the San Siro. Game's on Sunday, September 18th at 12pm on BeIN Sports.
2. Toronto FC vs New York Red Bulls
Over to the MLS now as first place in the Eastern Conference is up for grabs as it's 1st place Toronto FC vs 2nd place New York Red Bulls. The point gap between 1st and 2nd place is just 2 heading into the final stretch of the season. Toronto is on 46 points, New York on 44.
The Red Bulls are playing their best soccer of the season, currently riding a franchise best 11 game unbeaten streak. All-time leading goal-scorer for the franchise, Bradley-Wright Phillips is having another brilliant season and currently leads the league with 18 goals. He and Sacha Kljestan have been a deadly combination for any defense, as Kljestan is the league leader in assists with 15. Their main problem will be closing out games, as they have given up 2-goal leads on numerous occasions this season, including last Sunday against arch-rival DC United.
Toronto are arguably having their best season in franchise history, as they've been riding high due to the brilliance of Sebastian Giovinco. He sits 3rd in the Golden Boot race with 16 goals and 2nd with 13 assists. Jozy Altidore, former Red Bull player, will have to have a fine performance in place of Giovinco, as he's suffering from injury.
The two clubs have already met twice this season, as Toronto won in Red Bull Arena, 2-0 in the first game of the season in March. Red Bulls exacted revenge, winning 3-0 thanks to a Bradley-Wright Phillips hat-trick, also at Red Bull Arena in May.
The rubber match takes place at BMO Field in Toronto as 1st awaits the winner. Playoff seeding is crucial in this one, as the postseason fast approaches. Catch this one Sunday, September 18th, 5pm on FOX.
