In what was something of a throwback performance from Juventus during Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Inter Milan on Sunday – soaking up the pressure, defending resolutely before striking at the other end – it felt rather ironic that it was a player making his Derby d’Italia debut who walked away the toast of Turin.
Announcing himself as a Juve player a breakthrough performance against one of the finest teams in Italy, £14 million summer signing Filip Kostic set up both goals, hit the post with a rasping drive, and tormented the Nerazzuri backline throughout a devastating display brimming with energy, intensity and no little quality.
“We knew we could take on an important player. He had some difficulties at the beginning. But now he is showing what he’s worth,” Juve vice-president Pavel Nedved tells Sky Italia of the Serbia international; one of Europe’s most underrated footballers finally proving his worth on the biggest of stages.
“Kostic was unstoppable,” adds reporter Mario Sconcerti, not without justification (Corriere dello Sera).
Filip Kostic chose Juventus over West Ham United
David Moyes certainly could have done with Kostic’s dazzling wing-play on Sunday afternoon; West Ham United suffering a demoralising 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace while the former Eintracht Frankfurt talisman was roasting Denzel Dumfries like a Thanksgiving turkey at the Allianz Stadium.
West Ham failed with a £12.5 million bid for Kostic in June; Fabrizio Romano insisting the 30-year-old, with his piston-like limbs and devilish delivery, only ever had eyes for the Old Lady.
“I wanted to come to Juventus. I did everything to come here,” Kostic told Sky when quizzed about West Ham’s interest a couple of months ago.
“(Serbia and now Juve team-mate) Dusan Vlahovic told me he would be happy to see me at Juve. He told me many wonderful things about the club. And when I arrived here, I had confirmation of everything.
“I have followed Juve since I was little, as well as all of Serie A. My job is to provide the best crosses for the strikers.”
Setting up Adrien Rabiot’s opener before providing yet more sterling service for Nicolo Fagioli as Juve breathed fresh life into their top-four hopes against Inter; Kostic is certainly doing what he promised to do in Juventus’ black-and-white stripes.
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