Inter Milan faces a tough challenge as they continue their defence of the Serie A title following a setback in their pursuit of a historic treble. With the season entering its final phase, the reigning champions find themselves locked on points with Napoli at the top of the table, but their ambitions for the treble have been dashed after a crushing 3-0 defeat to AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-finals. The loss eliminated them from the competition and left them reeling just ahead of their crucial match against Roma.
The defeat to AC Milan has left Inter with little time to recover, as they are now tasked with preparing for a difficult clash against Roma on Sunday, which was rescheduled due to the national mourning following the death of Pope Francis. Despite the emotional backdrop, the pressure is mounting on coach Simone Inzaghi’s team, who are already fatigued from a taxing season. Inter were already feeling the strain after a last-minute loss to Bologna in their previous league match, which saw Riccardo Orsolini score a stunning bicycle kick in stoppage time to seal the win for Bologna.
Although Inter remain at the top of Serie A on goal difference, the loss to Bologna and the heavy defeat to Milan have taken a toll on the team’s mental and physical state. With just one day less than usual to prepare for their upcoming Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, Inzaghi has acknowledged the fatigue of his players, but stressed the need to continue pushing forward.
Looking ahead, Inter face a daunting schedule with at least seven more games before the end of the season. In addition to their league fixtures, they will head to the United States for the newly revamped Club World Cup, where they will compete in a minimum of three group matches. With their title challenge still very much alive, the team will need to find a way to manage their energy and focus in order to maintain their lead at the top.
Their upcoming match against Roma promises to be a tough test, as Claudio Ranieri’s team has been in strong form, going unbeaten in 17 Serie A matches. Roma, currently three points behind Bologna in the race for Champions League qualification, will be looking to extend their run and push for a top-four finish. With key players missing, including the injured Marcus Thuram, Inter’s attack has been weakened, and Lautaro Martinez will need to carry the load once again. The Inter captain has been in excellent form, scoring 14 goals since the turn of the year, and his performance will be crucial in the absence of his strike partners.
In contrast, Napoli have a relatively easier path to the title, with the remaining fixtures against teams in the lower half of the table. However, all is not well in Naples. Coach Antonio Conte has openly criticized the club for a lack of investment in the team and the training ground, issues that have caused frustration within the squad. Additionally, the injury of David Neres, a key player since his arrival last summer, has further compounded Napoli’s problems. Neres, who had been filling in for the departed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a calf injury in training.
Despite these concerns, Napoli’s position at the top remains strong, and their title aspirations are very much alive, particularly with matches against teams like Torino on Sunday that could provide them with a vital opportunity to secure the Scudetto. With Inter’s challenging schedule and ongoing fatigue, the final stretch of the season promises to be an exciting race for the title.
For Inter, managing the physical and mental demands of their remaining fixtures will be key to securing another Scudetto. The team will need to show resilience, particularly as their attacking options remain thin. Inzaghi will need his squad to rise to the occasion, especially with key players like Martinez leading from the front. The title race in Serie A is heating up, and every match from here on out will be crucial for both Inter and Napoli.
