They say that football tournaments are like sprint races, whilst league competitions are similar to endurance races. And yet, even in the long and exhausting league battles, some matches end up being more vital than others in terms of deciding the final outcome. This weekend, Inter could be officially crowned as the Scudetto winners, and here are five key victories that played a major part in the path towards their imminent coronation.
Inter – Juventus (Round 18)
The first Derby d’Italia of the season came at a time when Juventus appeared to be finding their footing under the tutelage of Andrea Pirlo.
Nonetheless, Antonio Conte made short work of his former pupil, as the Nerazzurri dominated the match from start to finish, and the result could have been even larger than 2-0.
Surely that was the first real sign of an incoming change at the top of Italian football.
Inter – Lazio (Round 22)
Yet again, the Beneamata found themselves facing another side that was enjoying a positive run. Around that time last season, Lazio beat Inter in what was perceived as a major blow for the latter’s Scudetto credentials.
However, the black and blue side didn’t replicate the same mistakes, shrugging aside the capital club thanks to a masterful performance from Romelu Lukaku upfront.
Milan – Inter (Round 23)
One week later, the Belgian giant laid waste to Milan in the famous Derby della Madonnina.
The match was supposed to be an epic clash between two rivals fighting at the top, but instead, it turned out to be a one sided affair that ended in a 3-0 victory, as Conte’s men broke away on the top of the Serie A table, and never looked back.
Inter – Atalanta (Round 26)
With the Nerazzurri maintaining their impressive winning streak, observers began to wonder who would be able to stop this well-oiled machine.
The obvious answer was Atalanta, who are arguably the one side that every other club loathe playing against.
Although the Orobici had their moments, Inter managed to hang on, and a lone strike from Milan Skriniar was enough to earn them a HUGE victory, as they continued their march towards the Scudetto.
Bologna – Inter (Round 29)
Whilst all of the entries mentioned above involved matches against top clubs, sometimes an hard-earned win against a mid-table side could prove to be as important.
On round 29, Milan succumbed to a disappointed draw at the hands of Sampdoria, while Juventus were barely able to earn a point against their city rivals Torino.
So when the leaders got their 1-0 away win against Bologna, it became clear beyond any doubt, that no one will be able to catch them, as their coronation is to be considered as a matter of time.