Inter and AC Milan may well be hoping that they can get something out of the cup competitions now that Napoli are back in firm control of the Serie A title race.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who argue that after the Partenopei re-announced themselves as Scudetto favourites with a 5-1 thrashing of Juventus, the Nerazzurri and the Rossoneri will be looking for silverware elsewhere.
If Inter’s win over Napoli after the winter break dealt the league leaders their first real setback of the season in Serie A, Luciano Spalletti’s team have grabbed the impetus again with both hands.
The Partenopei dismantled Juventus yesterday evening, and the Bianconeri were not the only team whose title hopes took a big hit from that result.
Inter and Milan may well have been watching with hope that Napoli would drop points to allow them to make up the gap.
However, the Partenopei produced a statement win to ensure that they will end the weekend with their advantage over the two Milan clubs intact, if not extended.
Accordingly, both Inter and Milan could be looking to the cup competitions as their chance to grab some silverware.
There’s the Champions League, in which both Milan sides find themselves facing tough but winnable round of sixteen ties next month.
In the Coppa Italia, the Rossoneri’s elimination by Torino means they’ll have to look elsewhere, but the Nerazzurri will feel that they have what it takes to defend their crown from last season.
First, however, will come the Supercoppa Italiana match held next weekend, which this season takes on the form of a Milan derby.
The backdrop of Napoli making a real statement that the Serie A title race may already be closed for business adds extra stakes to the Supercoppa match.
Both Inter and Milan could well be feeling that this will be a chance to win a trophy of the sort that are in short supply this campaign.
