Under The Spotlight: Inter can make decisive move in title race

Serie A has boasted arguably the most competitive title race in Europe this season, with the lead switching between a number of challengers in an enthralling campaign. 

Milan are currently top of the table but their city and Scudetto rivals Inter Milan only have a two-point gap to bridge and Wednesday’s game in hand against Bologna in which to do it. 

Elsewhere, Atalanta host Torino and Fiorentina entertain Udinese.

Inter back on track

Simone Inzaghi’s team looked like cantering to the title before a run of one win from seven games in February and March left them on the outside looking in. 

Since then however, the defending champions have returned to their best, winning four in a row including victories over Juventus and Roma. 

All five of Inter’s remaining games are against teams currently in the bottom half of the table, beginning with their visit to Bologna. 

The hosts have won just one of their last eight matches and have made a habit of recording stalemates in recent weeks, with five in that run. 

Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men have failed to score in four of their last seven outings and could suffer the same fate when they take on the Nerazzurri, who have the best defensive record in Serie A this year, conceding just 26 times in 33 encounters. 

The visitors can hold their nerve and move one step closer to the title by picking up another win to nil, which would be their third in five games. 

La Dea’s race is run?

The race for European places has also been keenly contested and the two other games on Wednesday night feature two of the chasing pack. 

Atalanta had looked like securing a Champions League spot for much of the season but their form has dramatically deteriorated in recent weeks and they have slipped down to eighth. 

The Bergamo side have lost three of their last four and have struggled at home all season — which will give their next opponents, Torino, cause for optimism.

The visitors are unbeaten in their last four games, including draws against Milan and Lazio.

Atalanta have won just four times on their own patch, compared to 11 on the road and may struggle once more in front of their own fans, with the draw or Torino double chance fancied. 

Viola back on song

In the earlier kick-off, Fiorentina take on Udinese and the hosts look likely to go well. 

Since losing star striker Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus in January, La Viola have arguably improved and their good run of form has continued with four wins in their last six league games. 

Their most recent loss to Salernitana was disappointing but that was on the road and with their fine home record — 11 wins from 16 games — they should be able to bounce straight back. 

The visitors are in decent nick themselves, having won three of their last five, but do not have a huge amount to play for.

And, having won just three times away from home in Serie A this season, they look vulnerable against the Florentines, who are battling it out with Roma and Lazio for a Europa League spot.