Khephren Thuram believes father Lilian will favour Juventus against Marcus and Inter
Khephren Thuram reveals what it feels like to face his brother Marcus and why he thinks their father Lilian will be cheering on Juventus against Inter. ‘Our whole family will be in the stands.’
The Derby d’Italia kicks off at San Siro on Saturday at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
Neutrals will be hoping for a repeat of the extraordinary thriller that saw Juve emerge 4-3 winners in stoppages, with both Thuram brothers on target.
Thuram brothers face off in Derby d’Italia
“When you grow up with a brother who plays football, it’s natural you would always love to be in the same team,” Khephren told Sky Sport Italia.
“In school, we would always pick each other first to go into our sides. But now we are professionals, we both play for big Italian clubs, and that is good too. I hope to play many games alongside him for France.
“I expect a great game, because these are two big teams, both playing well, and tough on a tactical level. It will be difficult for both sides.”
Will the two brothers speak before the big match this weekend?
“We speak every day, but never about matches. We discuss more important things than football. Our whole family will be in the stands this time, though.”
It is a situation where their father, former Juventus and Parma defender Lilian, is going to feel a little torn.
However, Khephren has an idea of why the Bianconeri might get the benefit of a smile from their dad.
“He will be neutral, but I am the baby, so perhaps he’ll have a little bit more attention towards me.”
Juventus have certainly boosted their form since Luciano Spalletti took over from Igor Tudor, so how does the coach differ from his predecessor?
“He asks me to always keep moving, to anticipate the play, but the most important thing is to play with my qualities and know that I am strong,” said Khephren Thuram.
“He is one of the coaches who most in my career has tried to make me understand my own strength. I enjoy working with him, he also gives me tips on where to improve, but I’ll keep those details to myself.
“Spalletti is very demanding with the team, he asks us for many things, and we try to deliver for him.”