Milan, Italy : The Serie A title race has been thrust back into focus ahead of a key weekend clash, with Napoli hosting AC Milan as leaders Inter Milan show signs of faltering.
The league resumes following an international break overshadowed by Italy national football team’s failure to qualify for a third successive FIFA World Cup, after a playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team on penalties. The result has increased pressure on federation president Gabriele Gravina.
Amid the fallout, Napoli coach Antonio Conte and Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri have been linked with the national team job should Gennaro Gattuso step aside.
On the pitch, Inter’s once-commanding 10-point lead has been cut after a derby defeat ended their 15-match unbeaten league run, followed by two draws under coach Cristian Chivu.
Milan remain in contention despite inconsistent form, sitting six points off the top with eight games left after a recent win over Torino, having earlier lost to Lazio.
Napoli, meanwhile, are on a four-game winning streak and trail the leaders by seven points. A victory over Milan could revive their title defence, particularly if Inter drop points against AS Roma.
Lukaku absence adds to Napoli concerns
Napoli’s preparations have been disrupted by a stand-off with striker Romelu Lukaku, who missed training after withdrawing from international duty to remain in Belgium for treatment. The club are considering disciplinary action.
The 32-year-old has struggled with injuries this season and has made only five substitute appearances since returning in January.
Milan won the reverse fixture 2-1 earlier this season, and Monday’s result could determine which side emerges as Inter’s closest challenger in the final stretch.
Italy defeat casts shadow
The international setback continues to affect several players, with Inter’s Pio Esposito and Roma’s Bryan Cristante among those who missed penalties in the playoff defeat.
Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni was sent off in the match, which also featured teammates Nicolo Barella, Federico Dimarco and Davide Frattesi, as well as Roma’s Gianluca Mancini.
Roma, who were early title contenders, are now focused on securing a UEFA Champions League spot. Elsewhere, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side sit sixth, three points behind fourth-placed Como, who face Udinese on Monday.
