For the past few years, the major European soccer teams have been taking their preseason tour on the road, leaving the comforts of home to head to locations like the USA, Australia, and China. While it may seem like a bit of a summer break for the players, the reality is that they are in those places to work and prepare for the rigors of the upcoming season. The powers that be in the world game decided that making these preseason games a little more meaningful might be a good idea, which is how the International Champions Cup came into being.
This year, there are 12 teams from all across Europe, as well as the first-ever Mexican side, taking part. The soccer, to this point, has been highly entertaining, which is not something you can say for friendly games. The action continues in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with Juventus and Inter Milan going head to head in China, with both teams looking for their first win of the tournament. Juventus are in as slight Soccer Betting favorites for this one, with the goal total set at 2 ½.
Juventus vs Inter Milan 2019 International Champions Cup Odds & Pick
- When: Wednesday, July 24 at 7:30 AM
- Where: Nanjing Olympic Sports Center Stadium
- TV: ESPN
- Live Stream: WatchESPN
- 2019 ICC Odds: Juventus -131 (Total 2.5)
Why bet on Juventus?
Of the game splayed thus far in the ICC, Juventus may well have been involved in the most entertaining of the bunch. They came back from a goal, down to Tottenham to take a 2-1 lead, but they ended up losing 3-2 on a ridiculous wondergoal from Harry Kane, who scored from beyond the halfway line in injury time. It certainly looked as though both teams were more concerned about putting on a show for the fans, with Juventus, and Cristiano Ronaldo in particular, playing their part.
Given that this game is against a Serie A rival, they might look to try and tighten things up a little more in this one. Juventus won one and tied one in league play against Inter last season, with just 3 total goals scored ion those two meetings.
Expected Line-Up
- 77-G. Buffon
- 19-L. Bonucci
- 2-M. De Sciglio
- 20-João Cancelo
- 24-D. Rugani
- 14-B. Matuidi
- 5-M. Pjanić
- 23-E. Can
- 7-Cristiano Ronaldo
- 17-M. Mandžukić
- 33-F. Bernardeschi
Why bet on Inter Milan?
Whereas Juventus looked like an attacking force in their opening game of the ICC, Inter Milan spent most of their time on the back foot in a 1-0 loss to Manchester United in their opener. Much of the talk surrounding this team is about what is happening off the field as opposed to anything happening on it.
Manager Antonio Conte has made it clear that he wants to acquire Romelu Lukaku from Manchester United, but the Red Devils have already turned down one bid, while rumors have now emerged that United might want Ivan Perisic as part of the deal. This uncertainty might affect the team that Inter chooses to field for this game, so keep an eye on the line-ups before you make any kind of wager.
Expected Line-Up
- 1-S. Handanovič
- 6-S. de Vrij
- 33-D. D’Ambrosio
- 37-M. Škriniar
- 29-Dalbert Henrique
- 87-A. Candreva
- 77-M. Brozović
- 5-R. Gagliardini
- 12-S. Sensi
- 21-S. Longo
- 70-S. Esposito
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Juventus vs Inter Milan
The way Inter played in the opener suggests that a top-quality striker should certainly be on their shopping list. If they lose this one and look anemic on the attack in the process, it may just prompt them to up their bid for Lukaku.
Score: Juventus 2 – Inter Milan 0
