Former Lazio and Torino defender Raffaele Sergio believes that next month’s Serie A clash between Inter and Napoli could prove decisive in the destination of the league title.

The Nerazzurri currently trail Napoli by 11 points after 15 matches, but welcome them to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on 4 January, in the first game back after the World Cup break.

With Inter requiring victory to maintain hopes of catching Luciano Spalletti’s side, Sergio argued that it was a pivotal fixture in the Scudetto race, in an interview with Italian radio station Lazio Style Radio today, and as reported by FCInterNews.it.

“I don’t know how the break will affect them, but Inter vs Napoli will be important in turning the league table around one way or the other,” the 56-year-old declared.

“In the fight for the Champions League, I see it being quite fierce. Juventus have recovered many points, but once again their winning DNA has emerged.”

Sergio also felt that AC Milan would be in contention at the top of the table in the second half of the season, despite many of their players featuring prominently in the World Cup in Qatar over the past few weeks.

“With respect to Milan, I don’t think that the World Cup commitments will affect their players who have gone all the way. Doing well at the World Cup brings energy and positivity,” he added.

Sergio joined Lazio from Mantova in 1989 and remained at the Stadio Olimpico for three seasons, before moving on to Torino and lifting the Coppa Italia, as well as Ancona and Udinese.

He also represented Napoli, Benevento, and Cavese before retiring as a player in 2001.