Last weekend’s results compared with the midweek action in Serie A could not draw two more separate conclusions regarding the top of the table.
Five days ago, Napoli were in a solid position at the top of the table and Juventus had just lost to Inter, but that is all change going into this weekend’s action.
Meanwhile, an old friend turned foe returns to the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence, and next week’s European action will no doubt have an influence on this weekend’s results.
Here are five things to look out for when watching Serie A this weekend.
1. Napoli’s response
In all likelihood, the only chance that Juventus will not succeed in their quest for a sixth-straight Scudetto is if Napoli were to win their first Serie A title since 1990.
When the Bianconeri were defeated 2-1 by Inter last weekend while the Partenopei beat Bologna, there was a glimpse of hope for all Napoli fans that this was their year, and that maybe the Juventus domination would come to an end.
It was not to be, however, with La Vecchia Signora getting back to their usual ways with a bang in a 4-0 victory over Cagliari, while Napoli couldn’t take advantage of the fact they were at the top of the league table as they drew 0-0 with Genoa.
Whether this two-horse battle continues until the last day of the season or Juventus run away with it by Christmas, Maurizio Sarri will be frustrated that his side couldn’t hold their position at the top.
They will need to reset this weekend when they host Chievo, and will hope Juventus uncharacteristically slip up against Palermo.
Napoli may just be starting to miss Gonzalo Higuain.
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