Inter faces acid test in Derby d'Italia against Juventus

Mauro Icardi's dream of "winning trophies" with Inter Milan has been dealt a Europa League blow, and now faces a Serie A acid test in Sunday's visit of champion Juventus for the Derby d'Italia.

The Argentine striker has hit the net six times against the Old Lady, including three times with his former club Sampdoria.

And with three goals from the opening three games of the season, the 23-year-old fan favourite will be looking to stretch his impressive record against Juve's legendary 'keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Already five points behind the league-leading Turin giant, Inter is in dire need of fresh hope after suffering a stunning 2-0 home defeat by Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the Europa League on Thursday.

Icardi said in the lead-up to the game he would love to emulate his idol, former Inter and Barcelona striker Ronaldo, who helped Inter to the UEFA Cup title in 1998.

"Ronaldo is the biggest striker of all time, but I want to win trophies wearing this jersey as well," he said.

Icardi failed to make an impact as a late substitute on Thursday, when Inter looked anything but a title challenger.

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci expects a "fierce" encounter at the San Siro but, after a chastening scoreless draw with Sevilla in the Champions League in midweek, says Juve won't be swayed from its bid to win a record sixth consecutive title.

"I expect a fierce game because let's not forget: it's the Italian Derby," Bonucci told Sky Sport.

"As a squad they (Inter) are still under construction, they have new players and a new coach. They will want to show that they can vie with Juventus.

"But after our Champions League draw, they'll face an even hungrier Juventus side - one that wants to become the first team in Italy to win six consecutive league titles."