Italian journalist Matteo Marani has highlighted that Inter have been able wrestle the Scudetto out of the grip of Juventus by hiring two former Bianconeri figures in coach Antonio Conte and CEO Beppe Marotta.
The Nerazzurri went eight points clear of AC Milan at the top of the Serie A table last night after defeating Bologna 1-0 at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, whilst they enjoy a 12 point cushion over Juventus after their two rivals both drew earlier in the day.
Writing in today’s newspaper edition of Tuttosport, Marani suggested that Inter had shown no signs of letting up despite their challengers dropping points, and were closing in on a first Scudetto since 2010.
“After three quarters of the season played, Inter have three quarters of the title in their pockets,” Marani claimed.
“They have eight points on Milan with a game in hand and 12 more than Juventus. The Nerazzurri did not expect such a beautiful Easter. Against the merit of Inter, with their nine consecutive wins, is the lack of fight from the challengers. The more they struggle, the hungrier Conte’s team become.”
Conte had begun a cycle of dominance at Juventus that has seen the Turin club lift nine consecutive league titles, but appears to end his former club’s grip on the Scudetto this season.
Marani pointed to Inter moving for him to reassert themselves, but felt they had been aided by an underwhelming season for the Bianconeri under coach Andrea Pirlo.
“It is curious that Conte and Marotta, the main protagonists of the Juventus decade, have put an end to Juventus’ domination, which was simply unthinkable two years ago.
“Some will say that they pay Conte well to do this. But Inter’s goal was to win the Scudetto and now the countdown has begun.
“If they win, Antonio should remember to send a thank you note to Juventus for having stupidly knocked themselves out of the race for the Scudetto. They have 13 fewer points than a year ago, whilst Inter have seven more. That’s all,” Marani concluded.
