Former Juventus, Lazio, and Middlesborough striker Fabrizio Ravanelli feels that if Inter are able to beat Juventus, it would open up the Serie A title race significantly.
Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInter1908, Ravanelli gave the view that the clash between the Nerazzurri and the Partenopei on January 4 could be pivotal for the Scudetto.
As things stand, Napoli have an eleven-point advantage over Inter and Lazio, a ten-point gap over Juventus, and still see their closest rivals in the table AC Milan sit eight points behind them.
Accordingly, the Campanians are very well-placed to make good on their advantage over the rest of the season and finish the campaign as champions of Italy.
However, there will be plenty of important matches standing in the Partenopei’s way, few moreso than their clash with Inter on January 4, an immediate test of their Scudetto credentials.
“The table suggests that Spalletti’s team are big favourites for the Scudetto,” Ravanelli said, “but they haven’t won yet.”
“In this sense, the next matchday will be important, almost decisive.”
He noted that “Napoli will face Inter at the San Siro – winning would probably send a definitive message, whereas losing would instead give hope to all the teams pursuing them.”
“There’s little to split the teams from second through fifth place,” he added, “so in my opinion any of Inter, Juventus, Milan, or Lazio could emerge.”
