Inter’s title resolve faces test at resurgent Fiorentina

March 19 : After recent stumbles, Inter Milan travel to Fiorentina on Sunday, determined to reinforce their Serie A title challenge, while AC Milan and Napoli look to capitalise on any mistakes as the season's final stretch approaches. 

Inter currently hold an eight-point lead at the top, with nine games remaining and 27 points still up for grabs.

Despite their advantage, a 1-1 draw with Atalanta last Saturday, following a 1-0 defeat to rivals Milan the week before, has added pressure to Cristian Chivu's side heading into their visit to the Stadio Artemio Franchi. 

Inter were fortunate that second-placed Milan suffered their first away loss in the league this season, falling to a 1-0 defeat at Lazio on Sunday. 

Yet Chivu, who will watch from the stands after receiving a one-match suspension following his red card against Atalanta, knows he cannot rely on fortune alone as the season winds to a close.

Inter face a resurgent Fiorentina who have lost only once in their last six league outings after a poor start to the campaign.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez is back in light training, but remains a major doubt, according to Italian media reports. If he is not risked, the goal-scoring burden will fall on Marcus Thuram, who returns after illness.

MILAN RESET

AC Milan's setback last weekend left manager Massimiliano Allegri needing to refocus his side ahead of Saturday's home match against Torino. Allegri has urged his players to "press the reset button" as Napoli have crept to within one point of second place.

Milan forward Rafael Leao was visibly frustrated after his substitution in their match against Lazio, while Christian Pulisic is still looking to end his 11-game goal drought.

Santiago Gimenez is still working towards full fitness