Inter on verge of Serie A title as Napoli stumble against Lazio
Inter Milan have moved to the brink of mathematically securing the Serie A title after a 1-0 defeat for second-placed Napoli against Lazio on Sunday. The result at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona extended Inter's lead at the summit to 12 points with just five rounds of the season remaining. According to the league's regulations, that margin is now insurmountable for any other team if Inter win their next match.
The Nerazzurri can now clinch the Scudetto as early as next weekend, during matchday 34. Simone Inzaghi's side will face Torino away on Sunday, April 26, while Napoli travel to face Cremonese. A victory for Inter, combined with Napoli failing to win their fixture, would confirm the title for the Milanese club. Should Napoli lose, a draw for Inter would also be sufficient, provided AC Milan do not win both of their games in hand against Hellas Verona and Juventus.
Inter's commanding position is the result of a dominant campaign, losing just once in the league so far. Their consistency has been contrasted by a faltering title defence from Napoli, whose defeat to Lazio was their seventh of the season. The gap at the top renders head-to-head records and goal difference irrelevant; the league rules state a playoff would be required if two teams finish level on points, an increasingly distant possibility.
If the title is not secured next weekend, Inter will have an immediate second chance in matchday 35, when they host already-relegated Parma. The club's focus will now shift to managing the final fixtures and preparing for a potential title celebration in front of their own fans at San Siro. Winning the championship would mark Inter's 20th Italian league title, allowing them to add a second star to their shirt.
