The Serie A title race has almost certainly been reduced to two teams in the form of city rivals Inter and AC Milan.
Today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper La Repubblica highlight some of the key aspects which have allowed both teams to get into this position.
Neither the Nerazzurri nor the Rossoneri have shown perfect form by any means this season, but barring any late shocks one of the two will lift the Scudetto at the end of the campaign.
Inter’s title pursuit has been masterminded by Simone Inzaghi, who has brought his 3-5-2 formation, on paper similar to that used by Antonio Conte but in practice a completely different system of play.
Meanwhile, the Rossoneri have been helmed by Stefano Pioli, who in his second full season in charge has had the team well-drilled in a high-pressing 4-2-3-1 system.
Neither coach has won a Scudetto in their career thus far, and the remaining matches of the season could determine which is best-equipped at the highest level.
Meanwhile, in terms of key players Inter have relied on their midfield trio of Marcelo Brozovic, Nicolo Barella, and Hakan Calhanoglu to make them function all season long.
For the Rossoneri, the inspiration has come from the likes of Sandro Tonali and Rafael Leao, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Olivier Giroud, and Ante Rebic all popping up at key moments in attack.
Going forward, Inter have five league fixtures, and six in total including their Coppa Italia final against Juventus, whilst Milan have just four.
On paper, the Rossoneri’s fixture list is more difficult than that of Inter, who will have the chance to go top of the table if they win their game in hand against Bologna tomorrow.
However, the Nerazzurri’s six matches across 25 days could prove to be a factor if they are physically drained by the schedule, whilst any of their matches could prove to be as tricky as those of their city rivals.
The Serie A season is now in its final decisive stretch but it is no clearer who will finish the campaign on top, but what does seem to be the case is that it will be one of derby rivals Inter or AC Milan.
