Thiago Motta: ‘Juventus deserved win in second half, but struggle at home’ | OneFootball

Thiago Motta admits Juventus had a ‘different energy’ in the second half and through that deserved to beat Inter, but hints at the frosty rapport with fans. ‘We seem to struggle at home.’

The pressure was really on the Bianconeri going into the Derby d’Italia, with some squad rotation forced by injuries and the Champions League play-off.

Despite the fact Inter had a full week to prepare for this match, it was Juve who seemed sharper after the break and stepped up the intensity level.

“We certainly had a different energy in the second half. The first was difficult against a very strong opponent, but I felt we showed them too much respect, allowed them too much time on the ball,” Thiago Motta told DAZN.

“We know they have a lot of quality and like to move around, but if you don’t press them, then you will end up struggling. That is something we did much better in the second half.”

Although Denzel Dumfries was denied by the woodwork and Michele Di Gregorio in the first half, while Yann Sommer also made a desperate double save, the game was decided at the 74th minute.

Randal Kolo Muani turned with some great footwork between four Inter players, the loose ball coming to Francisco Conceicao to sweep into the far bottom corner with the inside of the left boot.

Thiago Motta focus on confidence and Juventus fans

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, applauds during the Serie A match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Allianz Stadium on February 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“The players are young, they have a lot of quality and we all need to be available,” continued Thiago Motta.

“Khephren played very well, but he had cramp and we had planned a change too because the midfield was a tough role today and we knew Manuel Locatelli could keep the level up with fresh legs, use the ball well and create goal-scoring opportunities.”

This is the fourth consecutive victory for Juventus in all competition, but is it a further confidence-booster to beat Inter?

“Victories naturally help our self-esteem. We did not deserve to win in the first half, as Inter were superior, so you won’t get far on luck alone. We deserved it in the second half. I have seen us struggle many times playing at home and we did it again in the first half tonight, whereas we seem to have more freedom in the away fixtures,” added Thiago Motta.

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Juventus 1-0 Inter

“In the second half, we pressed high, played good football, earned the win and this boosts our confidence.”

The struggle to play well at home might also be tied to the frosty rapport many Juventus fans have with Thiago Motta and his style of football, so does he think this win will bring him closer to them?

“I have no idea. My objective is to improve the team, do my job well and give my best every day. I do not do my work to please or displease anyone, I do it for myself because I know we are on the right path. I like to see the team improve, battle, work hard and play good football to win the game.

“I think the lads above all deserve the support of their fans, because you can see how hard they work every day, giving their all on the field for the good of the team and the good of Juventus.”

This result takes Juventus up to joint fourth place alongside Lazio on 46 points, now only five behind Atalanta and eight adrift of Inter in second.