Former Milan right-back Cafu has singled out the Rossoneri as leading candidates to wrap up this season’s Scudetto in what’s been an evenly-contested title race so far. Heading into the business end of the year, Stefano Pioli’s men are four points adrift of top-placed Inter, meaning their title hopes are very much alive.
The seven-time European champions have a game in hand over bitter rivals, but restoring a one-point deficit would require a win over familiar foes Napoli at the San Siro.
Napoli have been a thorn in Milan’s side over the past half-decade, going unbeaten in 12 of their 13 Serie A meetings with the Rossoneri. Therefore, a potential victory in front of attending home supporters could be a season-defining moment for Pioli’s team as they hope to snap a decade-long wait for the Serie A crown.
Meanwhile, Inter fans are awaiting the outcome of the mammoth showdown with bated breath. A draw would enable the reigning Italian champions to go three points clear at the summit and start building a gap on the chasing pack.
Milan’s current situation in the Serie A standings is reminiscent of their last season’s position this time of the year. However, a dip in form between December 2020 and February 2021 eventually saw the Rossoneri fall out of the title race, paving the way for Antonio Conte’s Inter to put Juventus’ long-term Serie A reign to bed.
To rectify last season’s mistakes, Milan will have to muster their defensive resilience and attacking sharpness from the opening stage of 2021/22. Sunday’s clash against Napoli should provide insight into their title credentials, but Cafu believes his former team have what it takes to dethrone Inter this term.
The Brazilian insists the Rossoneri can beat direct competitors, as without the distraction of European football, they can turn their undivided attention towards Scudetto.
“They were eliminated from the Champions League, but in Serie A they are at the top and can win the Scudetto. Don’t think it will be easy for Milan. On the contrary… I expect a tough match because both teams have had a week to prepare for it,” Cafu said as relayed by Calciomercato.
“Milan are the favorites.“
He also heaped praise on Inter boss Simone Inzaghi.
“I played [Simone] Inzaghi in the derby in Rome when we were still playing, he’s become a strong, intelligent coach who studies his opponents a lot.
“He can win with Inter, to whom he has given a great game. He deserves a lot of the credit for this first place because he believes in what he does and doesn’t leave anything to chance.“