Serie A: Inter take on Venezia as AC Milan face in-form Juventus

(Football news) Inter will look to maintain their unbeaten streak against Venezia as their eight-match winning streak in Serie A ended by a goalless draw last weekend. The Nerazzurri went on to progress in the Coppa Italia, while Venezia salvaged a first point of the year against Empoli. Under Simone Inzaghi, Inter have become a free-scoring team to the ruthless game plan instilled by former boss Antonio Conte, with a half-century of goals already reached and no side scoring more in the last half-hour of matches this term (18). They have not relied on a single source to propel them towards a successful defense of their title either, as seven of Inter's last eight Serie A strikes have been netted by different players

After their 0-0 draw versus Atalanta, Inter have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last eight league games, a spell in which they have conceded only one goal. Not only have Inter been flying in the Serie A currently as they have also enjoyed success in recent days by beating rivals Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana before also qualifying through to the Coppa Italia quarter-finals with a dramatic victory against surprise package Empoli. For Inter, most of their players are fit as Inzaghi will like to get the regular players in after getting a much deserved rest but not playing the midweek fixture.

AC Milan face their toughest test this new year as they face in-form Juventus, AC Milan will look to get their title chase back on track after losing against relegation-threatened Spezia. AC Milan’s title challenge will actually be tested as they face a critical fortnight, with in-form Juventus visiting San Siro in Milan's game before a top-of-the-table Milan Derby clash with Inter. A defeat could prove extremely damaging for Milan as Napoli can leapfrog them into second place in the table and mainly it would leave them five points adrift of Inter. On the other hand Juventus are on an eight-match unbeaten run in Serie A and sit one point behind Atalanta in the final Champions League qualification spot which mark a remarkable turnaround especially with the injuries and the poor start they had to the season

“It’s not good for Milan, they face the worst possible opponents. Juve aren’t great to watch but they have become a team to fear recently, concrete and solid,” former Milan player Massimo Orlando said.

“It's hard to lose like that. It's a missed chance that no one wanted, we've missed an opportunity,Unfortunately we didn't manage to bring home the win, but now we'll think of the next matches.The season is still long, everyone can have an off day. It's good for us that now we have two difficult matches because that will give us great motivation and we'll find the strength to bounce back.” Milan coach Stefano Pioli said.

Also read: Bundesliga: Dortmund face a tough test away to Hoffenhiem as Bayern take on Hertha

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