Inter faced their toughest week of the season so far with a trip to Juventus in the Coppa Italia and a meeting with the league’s form team Lazio in league action.

A dour 0-0 in Turin saw Inter exit the Coppa at the same final stage which allowed them to focus on the league.

Their focus on the league certainly intensified as an Antonio Conte masterclass saw them romp to a 3-1 win over Lazio and climb into top spot.

Here’s what Inter taught us this week.

1. Coppa Italia Exit Disappointing

Defeat over two legs to Juventus saw Inter end their cup journey this year.

A disappointing performance in the home leg did the damage leaving an uphill task to score two at the Allianz out of Inter’s reach.

Although the league must be the priority, the chance at some silverware would have been fantastic for Inter.

It is no argument that it would have been a distraction either as it would’ve meant just one game extra in May.

The defeat echoed similar of last season’s defeat to Napoli, leaving Inter pondering what could’ve been.

2. Ivan Perisic Excellent Against Lazzari

Ivan Perisic has come in for hefty criticism this term but rightly so he earned significant praise for his performance on Sunday night.

Despite not being an orthodox full back or wing back, Perisic marshalled the threat of Lazio’s Manuel Lazzari.

Standing off when needed and making strong tackles, Perisic gave the Lazio attack zero change.

Despite spending large parts of this season on the bench or totally out of sorts, Perisic was excellent on Sunday evening following on from his goal at Fiorentina last week.

The Croat may well be hitting form at the perfect time.

3. Milan Skriniar Is The Slovakian Word For Wall

The Slovakian put on a defensive clinic against Lazio on Sunday night, truly establishing his position amongst the globe’s best defenders.

After a tough transition to playing in a back three last term, Milan Skriniar appears to have rediscovered his best form.

A number of vital tackles, most notably the one on Joaquin Correa, gave Inter solidity in what was an excellent display of defensive quality.

Like with Perisic, to see Skriniar hitting top form at the right time is seriously encouraging for the Nerazzuri.

4. Win Against Lazio Shows Inter Coming Up Clutch

An excellent game plan, a bit of fortune via VAR and the power of Romelu Lukaku saw Inter triumph over Lazio and climb to the league’s summit.

The win over Lazio proved that Conte’s side could come up trumps when needed and the sheer tactical discipline carried out by the side gave a view of potential champions.

A game plan allowing Lazio to have plenty of the ball whilst exploiting their high line worked a treat.

Each of the three defenders shut out the attacking threats of Immobile, Milinkovic Savic and Luis Alberto with ease and would have had a clean sheet to show for it had it not been for a lucky deflection.

The midfield ran themselves into the ground and fed the outstanding front line when needed to punish the side from the capital.

The manner of the performance must be injected similar next week and then it is almost downhill from there.

5. The Biggest Milan Derby In A Decade

Inter vs AC Milan has produced some incredible matches over the past couple of seasons.

Inter have largely had the bragging rights but they are currently held by their neighbours following their win earlier in the campaign.

With just one point now separating the sides, the Derby is now the biggest in years as it could be a potential title decider.

Inter win and they move four points clear at the summit, Milan win and they return to the top with a two point gap.

If Inter maintain the same intensity that they managed last time out they should have an excellent chance of victory.

The pressure rests with Milan after a shock defeat at Spezia over the weekend but with their side getting back to full strength following an injury ravaged period , it will be a stern test.

Grab the popcorn and let battle commence. A battle it will certainly be!