AC Milan seek to reignite fading championship aspirations in clash with Inter
AC Milan will confront Serie A frontrunners Inter this weekend, aware that the derby might provide a final opportunity to exert influence on the race.
Under Massimiliano Allegri, the team has fallen 10 points adrift of their opponents with 11 fixtures left, after forfeiting points to Como and Parma last month.
The 1-0 defeat at home to Parma marked Milan's initial league loss since the campaign's start, yet nine stalemates have distanced them from the leaders.
A 2-0 triumph away to Cremonese in their latest outing maintained Milan's slim relevance and positioned them to narrow the difference to seven points on Saturday.
"Inter lead us in the table, but perhaps they will compete with reduced intensity compared to ours," remarked Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic to Gazzetta dello Sport.
"The derby stands as its own narrative: Each encounter varies from the last. I anticipate a fiercely contested match, and I am optimistic about our victory."
Reports in the Italian press this week indicated that Milan manager Allegri might succeed temporary Real Madrid head Alvaro Arbeloa at the Santiago Bernabeu come season's end.
However, the ex-Juventus tactician, who returned to Milan for another tenure last summer, expressed satisfaction at the San Siro just last week.
"Full accord exists with the club; we discuss and exchange views. The priority is collective effort for AC Milan's benefit," stated Allegri, who secured the Scudetto with Milan in 2011.
"I am delighted to return after numerous years and to discover an exceptional squad of outstanding players.
"The club is shaping AC Milan's prospects, and achieving that demands securing the vital outcome of Champions League qualification."
Impressive Inter
Inter remain undefeated in home competitions, apart from a penalty shootout setback against Bologna in the Italian Super Cup, following a 1-0 reverse to Milan in November's corresponding match.
Since then, they have claimed 14 victories and one draw in Serie A to dominate the title contention, while advancing to the Italian Cup semi finals.
Inter manager Cristian Chivu rotated 10 players for the midweek Cup semi final first leg, which ended 0-0 at Como, but he is expected to restore his primary lineup for the subsequent leg.
Inter displayed vulnerability in Europe, exiting the Champions League at the knockout playoff stage against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
Player to watch: Nicolas Paz
This Argentine talent has propelled Como's bid for Champions League spots this term and may prove crucial for the current champions' World Cup campaign this summer.
The 21 year old, acquired from Real Madrid two years prior, has tallied nine goals and assisted six more in Serie A to date.
Cesc Fabregas's Como head to Cagliari on Saturday, poised to equal points with fourth placed Roma before the Roman outfit's trip to Genoa.
Key stats
6: From his Serie A bow in January, solely Harry Kane (nine) has outscored Roma's Donyell Malen's six goals among Europe's elite five leagues.
6: AC Milan hold an unbeaten record across their most recent six encounters with Inter across all tournaments.
13: Torino have failed to prevail in their previous 13 trips to Napoli.
Fixtures (all times GMT)
Friday
Napoli v Torino (1945)
Saturday
Cagliari v Como (1400), Atalanta v Udinese (1700), Juventus v Pisa (1945)
Sunday
Lecce v Cremonese (1130), Bologna v Verona, Fiorentina v Parma (both 1400), Genoa v Roma (1700), AC Milan v Inter Milan (1945)
Monday
Lazio v Sassuolo (1945)