However, the Nerazzurri had slipped the Bianconeri in recent weeks after an inconsistent run of form in recent weeks. The results from this weekend may just have opened the race right up again.
Inter record another frustrating draw
The fact an inconsistent run of form is three straight draws in Serie A for Inter shows how far the Nerazzurri have come under the highly talented Conte. Prior to the three draws, Inter were winning match after match, keeping pace with Juventus and topping the table.
A 1-1 home draw with Cagliari last time out at the Giuseppe Meazza was particularly frustrating, as Conte’s team were the better team. However, they failed to take their chances and had to settle for a draw. It meant that Inter moved to within three points of reigning champions Juventus, but that was before the Bianconeri headed to Naples to face Napoli on Sunday night.
Juventus slip up in Naples
It seemed inevitable that Maurizio Sarri’s team would head to Naples, pick up a win and extend their lead to six points at the top of Serie A. However, the Bianconeri produced a lacklustre display and suffered a 2-1 defeat against Gennaro Gattuso’s team.
Napoli headed into the clash on the back of three straight defeats in the Italian top-flight. They looked like easy opponents for the reigning champions. In reality, they didn’t play that well at the San Paolo but came out on top courtesy of some gritty defending and a mistake from Wojciech Szczesny.
Results kept the title race alive
The results mean that the race for the Scudetto is well and truly still alive. The defeat in Naples may just prove a big psychological blow to Juventus. The Bianconeri usually cruise through the Italian top-flight season.
The reigning champions have quite comfortably won the Scudetto in recent seasons. However, if Inter can capitalise on Juventus’s defeat at Napoli, then this season could produce the most intriguing race for the Italian top-flight in a long while.
Can Juventus hold off the challenge of Inter for this season’s Scudetto?
