Inter have chance to extend lead atop Serie A as rivals clash

Jan 22 : Inter Milan will expect to stretch their lead atop Serie A when they host second-bottom side Pisa on Friday with a fixture that on paper offers a clear chance to put pressure on their rivals who face each other in some mouth-watering matches.

While Inter kick off the weekend with an easy game, on paper at least, Sunday sees a couple of blockbuster clashes as title-chasers AC Milan visit AS Roma and Napoli travel to Juventus.    

Inter lead Milan by three points, while Napoli, who are third having returned to winning ways after a run of draws, are six points off the pace and Roma a further point back in fourth.

Juve are now 10 points adrift of top spot in fifth after a surprising 1-0 defeat at struggling Cagliari last time out. 

Cristian Chivu's Inter side suffered a 3-1 home defeat by Champions League pacesetters Arsenal on Tuesday but they have won eight of their last nine Serie A matches.

Pisa have only one league victory this season.

Chivu's main challenge will be managing the demands of a congested schedule while ensuring his key players remain fresh.

Denzel Dumfries and Hakan Calhanoglu are expected to remain unavailable for selection, while several other first-team regulars could be rotated with another crucial Champions League fixture looming on Wednesday at Borussia Dortmund.

Inter are 14th in the Champions League table and have guaranteed a playoff spot with only a slim chance of finishing in the top eight to go straight into the last 16.  

MILAN FACE UNPREDICTABLE ROMA

In Rome on Sunday, rivals Milan face a far sterner test against an unpredictable Roma side led by Gian Piero Gasperini.

Massimiliano Allegri's team are in impressive form, with one defeat in 21 Serie A matches, and genuine title contenders.

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