Following another weekend filled with unpredictable outcomes, the landscape at the very top of the Serie A table remains in constant change. While the two Milanese giants failed to come away with wins for the second round in a row (despite playing against sides that reside in the lower half of the table), Fabian Ruiz’s last gasp winner against Lazio allowed Napoli to snatch the lead.
However, with two points separating the top three sides, and a familiar force trying to pull off a shocking comeback, this remains by far the most tight Scudetto race we’ve had in long while – perhaps since first years of the 21st century.
So let’s analyze the key factors that will play in favor of every title hopeful, as well those that will might derail them.
Why Inter Will Win it
The table might show the Nerazzurri sitting in third, but with an extra match in hand, they can jump back to first place.
But the main reason why Inter can win the championship resides in a core of players who have the required talent, experience and depth to go all way for the second year in a row.
Betting against the reigning champions is often a dangerous choice.
Why Inter Won’t Win it
Although the vast majority of the squad remained intact, the man on the dugout is no longer the same.
Now, surely Simone Inzaghi is a capable tactician who has proven his ability throughout the years and has presented a more entertaining version of the Beneamata. However, in the last few weeks, the character and solidity that were ever-present during Antonio Conte’s days were sorely missed.
Why Milan Will Win it
Amongst the four main challengers, Milan have the most consistent project at the moment. In fact, Stefano Pioli is the only manager who has been sitting on the same bench in the previous campaigns.
Consistence can be rewarding for those who are willing to play the patience game.
Why Milan Won’t Win it
For one reason or another, the Rossoneri tend to press the self-destruct button at the most delicate of moments.
Luckily for them, others have been wasteful as well, but beating Inter in the Derby can do you little good when you’re dropping points against the likes of Spezia, Salernitana and Udinese.
Such breakdowns must be avoided by a side that wishes to lift the championship title.
Why Napoli Will Win it
Simply put, Napoli might be the team that wants the Scudetto more than any other side in the race, especially with Lorenzo Insigne (and perhaps others like Dries Mertens and Kalidou Koulibaly) considering it as the very last chance for him to bring it south.
Following their dramatic win over Lazio, we’ve seen how Luciano Spalletti’s men were overcame with emotion, and one can bet that the whole city of Napoli was feeling the same.
Why Napoli Won’t Win it
Beware the adrenaline dump. The wild celebrations witnessed at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday might have reminded some of us with another memorable Napoli win – the one that came at Juve’s expense in the last stages of the 2017/18 campaign.
But we all know how it ended for the southerners.
For now, there are still eleven rounds to be played, and Napoli must avoid losing composure and make sure that they’re guided by their heads, otherwise they risk suffering from a morale breakdown at some point.
Why Juventus Will Win it
Following an abysmal start to the campaign, Juventus are somewhat back in the Scudetto race, even if in a rather shy fashion (for now).
With those in front of them dropping points left and right, the Bianconeri have momentum on the their side, as their last league defeat dates back to November.
Moreover, the Old Lady can rely on her tried and trusted servant Massimiliano Allegri who is an expert in sealing tight Scudetto races, while the effect of Dusan Vlahovic’s coup shouldn’t be undermined.
Why Juventus Won’t Win it
Juventus might have momentum in their favor, but cutting the gap remains an uphill task. While the top three sides are almost inseparable in the standings, the Turin-based club sits seven points adrift.
Even though this distance isn’t enormous, the Bianconeri need to gain ground on not just one other team, but three, all while battling on three different fronts with a squad ravaged by injuries.