This was a match that held the promise of Pacini creating a new record: before the Derby d'Italia, Pacini had already scored 96 goals representing Atalanta, Fiorentina, and Sampdoria, and 3 for Inter Milan, bringing his career total to 99. If he could score against Juventus, Pacini would reach the milestone of 100 career goals. Two days ago, *Gazzetta dello Sport* pointed out: "The Derby d'Italia, this is the direct confrontation between Matri and Pacini. In terms of age, value, physique, position, efficiency, and form, Pacini and Matri are so similar!" It's no exaggeration to say that Matri is Pacini's "lifelong rival," and the grudge match between Inter and Juventus is also the fateful battle between Pacini and Matri.
As one of the new generation of Italian forwards, Pacini lacks Borrelli’s ball control ability, and his offensive methods are somewhat monotonous. Header plays are his strong point, but relying on just this one skill to dominate isn't entirely realistic. Since his stunning debut with Inter where he single-handedly turned the game around, in the last three matches, although Pacini has scored and created penalties, his overall performance has been declining match by match. Pacini needs to reflect and change to better justify his €20 million price tag.
However, the performance on the field completely lacked the confidence suggested in Pacini's bold statements. Of course, Leonardo admitted after the game, "The lack of productivity from the strikers is because they didn't get enough support from midfield, which is due to Juventus' successful defense today." During the entire match, Pacini only had two not-so-good opportunities. The first came at the 69th minute when Pacini's outside-of-the-foot shot from 25 yards out was deflected by Barzagli. The second opportunity occurred in the second half when Maicon crossed from the right flank, and Pacini leaped high inside the box to head the ball towards goal, but it was excellently blocked by Buffon.
Juventus wouldn’t be unfamiliar with Pacini; Del Neri and Marotta can both be considered benefactors in his career. Now, they are Juventus’ coach and general manager respectively, and over the past few transfer windows, Pacini has always been a fervently pursued target by the Bianconeri. However, ultimately, this new-generation native striker chose Inter Milan, a move that incited disdain and even hatred from Juventus fans towards Pacini. Eventually, the Bianconeri opted for Matri for €18 million (€2.5 million loan fee and €15.5 million buyout option).
Pacini was born on August 2, 1984, while Matri was born on August 19, 1984, making them just 17 days apart. Pacini is 180 cm tall, while Matri is 183 cm. Pacini's market value is €20 million, Matri's is €18 million. Pacini has scored 14 goals in 26 games this season, averaging 0.538 goals per game, while Matri has scored 13 goals in 25 games, averaging 0.542 goals per game. Since joining Inter, Pacini has scored 3 goals in 3 games and created two penalties, while Matri has scored 2 goals in 2 games since joining Juventus.
From the media's widespread speculation, Pacini indeed had a chance to reach the century mark in this game. Because Pacini has a reputation for excelling against top teams. Last season, he scored against Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, and Roma, all traditional powerhouses. He scored the winning goals against Inter and Roma, naturally, in the absence of Milito, Pacini carried more expectations. Regarding the upcoming Derby d'Italia, Pacini said in an interview with *Inter Channel*: "We need to continue our winning streak; we're going there to take three points."
During the entire match, Pacini made 14 passes with 10 being successful, provided 1 key pass, completed 1 tackle, and attempted 2 shots. Meanwhile, looking at Matri's performance today, he scored the winning goal and was named the best player of the match. In the second half, despite being injured, he continued playing and almost scored another goal off a cross from Marchisio, overshadowing Pacini completely. In front of Matri today, Pacini could only sigh.