Inter aim to tighten Serie A grip before Christmas break
>> MILAN: Inter Milan host struggling Lazio looking to tighten their grip on Serie A before preparing for the “hard times” of trying to win a first title since 2010 when action resumes in the New Year.
Roberto Mancini’s men are among several teams testing Juve’s bid for a record-equalling consecutive fifth title and hold a four-point lead over both Fiorentina and Napoli ahead of the final game of 2015 at the San Siro tomorrow.
Juventus have jumped up to fourth place six points adrift with a streak of six consecutive league wins that has consigned their disastrous start to the campaign to distant memory.
With Roma a further point off the pace in fifth after a series of setbacks that has heaped the pressure on French coach Rudi Garcia, the Serie A leaders have plenty of reason for festive cheer.
Come what may tomorrow, Inter will still be top on Jan 6 when they travel to Empoli after the twoweek break.
Fiorentina handed Inter a footballing masterclass with a 4-1 win at the San Siro in September but two defeats in the space of four days have left La Viola in dire need of a morale-boosting win at home to Chievo.
Paulo Sousa’s men, who meet Tottenham in the next round of the Europa League, exited the Cup at the last 16 stage midweek following a 1-0 defeat to Serie A strugglers Carpi, the defeat coming after Sunday’s 3-1 humbling at Juventus.
With Inter and Fiorentina both expected to prevail, Napoli can ill afford to slip up against Atalanta on their first away trip since a stunning 3-2 defeat at Bologna a fortnight ago.
Maurizio Sarri’s men are also bona fide title challengers and with 14 goals in his league account Argentinian striker Gonzalo Higuain is expected to finish top of the pile in 2015.
FIXTURES
(kick-offs Thai time)
Today
Bologna v Empoli (2.45am, Sun)
Tomorrow
Carpi v Juventus (6.30pm), Atalanta v Napoli, Fiorentina v Chievo, Verona v Sassuolo, Roma v Genoa (all 9pm), Frosinone v AC Milan, Sampdoria v Palermo, Torino v Udinese (all midnight), Inter Milan v Lazio (2.45am, Mon)