Inter Milan are closing in on the top spot in Serie A as the defending champions head to Turin on Sunday to take on fierce rivals Juventus. With just one point separating them from league leaders Napoli, the title race is heating up, and Inter will be hoping to capitalize on Juventus’ form to continue their push for the Scudetto.
Key Fixtures Ahead
Inter Milan’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Fiorentina on Monday brought them within striking distance of Napoli, with the two sides set to meet in Naples in two weeks’ time for what could be a decisive clash. However, this weekend’s matches could have a big impact on the destination of the Serie A title.
Napoli, who have been struggling with consecutive draws against Roma and Udinese after taking the lead in both games, face a challenging trip to fourth-placed Lazio on Saturday. Meanwhile, Inter will be hoping to make the most of Juventus’ mini-revival under coach Max Allegri, having won three matches in a row across all competitions.
Inter’s Advantage
For once, Inter will benefit from a near-full week’s rest after securing qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League. In contrast, Juventus had to battle to a 2-1 first-leg win over PSV Eindhoven in their Europa League play-off match on Tuesday.
This additional rest should help key players like Marcus Thuram, who is expected to be fit enough to start after suffering a muscular issue against Fiorentina. However, if Thuram is absent, Inter could face attacking difficulties, as Marko Arnautovic is also struggling with a thigh injury and Medhi Taremi has yet to make a major impact since his arrival from Porto.
Juventus Threat
No team would relish derailing Inter’s title defense more than Juventus, who remain Inter’s fiercest rivals, even ahead of AC Milan. Juventus will look to star forwards like Randal Kolo Muani, who has made an immediate impact since joining on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, scoring five times in his first three Serie A appearances.
Atalanta’s Opportunity
With Napoli and Inter both facing difficult away fixtures, this is a prime opportunity for third-placed Atalanta to close the gap. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will host struggling Cagliari on Saturday, and while they’re currently five points behind Napoli, they will be motivated to keep their Scudetto hopes alive.
Atalanta will be without key attacker Ademola Lookman for this match, but their eyes will likely be on the upcoming Champions League play-off second leg. Despite their loss to Club Brugge earlier this week, Atalanta will be eager to rebound in Serie A.
Player to Watch: Moise Kean
Fiorentina’s Moise Kean is having his best season in front of goal, with 15 goals in 23 Serie A appearances since joining the club from Juventus last summer. The Italy striker will be looking to lead Fiorentina to another three points as they continue their push for a Champions League spot. Kean will be especially motivated after revealing the racist abuse he suffered from Inter fans following Fiorentina’s defeat at the San Siro.
Key Stats
- 1 – Napoli leads Inter Milan by a single point at the top of the Serie A table.
- 5 – The number of goals separating Moise Kean from top scorer Mateo Retegui, his Italy teammate.
Fixtures (Times GMT)
Friday:
- Bologna v Torino (19:45)
Saturday:
- Atalanta v Cagliari (14:00)
- Lazio v Napoli (17:00)
- AC Milan v Verona (19:45)
Sunday:
- Fiorentina v Como (11:30)
- Monza v Lecce (14:00)
- Udinese v Empoli (14:00)
- Parma v Roma (17:00)
- Juventus v Inter Milan (19:45)
Monday:
- Genoa v Venezia (19:45)