Inter will be aiming to extend their flawless run with a win against Lazio.
Inter will be aiming to extend their flawless run with a win against Lazio
Stefano Blin
Leaders Inter Milan face a potentially awkward fixture away to fifth-placed Lazio on Wednesday as the reigning champions go in search of their 10th straight Serie A win.
The Italian pace-setters maintained their seven-point lead over closest rivals Roma last Sunday after defeating Messina 2-0 for a club record ninth straight victory. It also left them two wins short of Roma’s record of 11 straight Serie A successes that was set last season. Inter will fancy their chances of setting a new benchmark, but their coach Roberto Mancini cares not for the record books.
“For me it’s not important, they’re just statistics,” said the 42-year-old who helped Lazio win the league title in 2000 and was their coach between 2002 and 2004.
“Our target is to win the title and that’s the only thing that interests me. I don’t care how we do it.” Inter, who after tackling Lazio host Atalanta in their last match before the winter break, are unbeaten in Serie A for 18 matches, their last defeat coming away to Empoli last season on April 30.
Lazio, who were deducted three points for their role in the Italian match-fixing scandal, have lost just once at home this season and have let in just three goals in their seven matches played at their Olympic stadium. Roma, who thrashed third-placed Palermo 4-0 last weekend, visit a rejuvenated Torino whose recent good form has lifted them out of the relegation zone and into contention for a European place. Roma coach Luciano Spalletti believes his side are still in with a shout for the championship, despite being seven points off the pace.
“Inter will eventually hit a bad patch and we must make sure that we are not far behind them so that we can take full advantage of the situation,” he said.
“Against Palermo we were almost perfect. The players fought for everything and it’s that kind of determination that I want to see from them every week. If we can show that kind of character every week, then there’s no reason why we can’t catch Inter.” AC Milan play at home to fourth-placed Catania, the Sicilian side who are unbeaten at home but have won just two of their eight away games.
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