Serie A: Inter face Atalanta test, Milan and Napoli ready to pounce | OneFootball

The 17th day of Serie A presents itself as an already crucial juncture in the race for the top. Inter leads the standings, but the margin is minimal and the schedule adds pressure…

Serie A, key day for the top: Inter under scrutiny with Atalanta, Milan and Napoli ready to overtake

In Bergamo, the Nerazzurri face Atalanta, while Milan and Napoli watch closely, ready to take advantage of any misstep by the leader. A combination that can reshape the standings even before the end of the year.

Atalanta-Inter (20:45): Chivu defends the lead in Bergamo

For Inter, it is a maturity test. After the disappointment of the Super Cup and recent stumbles in big matches, Cristian Chivu's team is called to demonstrate continuity and mental solidity. The goal is clear: “defend the top spot and finally win a high-level challenge.”

Facing them is an Atalanta eager to relaunch in the European race and achieve a third consecutive victory. Palladino, however, has to deal with a significant emergency: Lookman and Kossounou are engaged in the African Cup, while Bellanova and Djimsiti are unavailable. The offensive setup revolves around Scamacca, supported by De Ketelaere and Maldini, with Pasalic and Ederson in the midfield.

Chivu recovers Calhanoglu, who returns to direct the play with Barella and Mkhitaryan. On the flanks, Luis Henrique and Dimarco are confirmed, while the Thuram-Lautaro duo reforms upfront. In defense, Bisseck joins Bastoni and Akanji. Inter knows that a victory would mean extending the lead over Milan and Napoli, but also that playing after the direct rivals can increase the pressure.

Cremonese-Napoli (15:00): Conte seeks the move for the overtake

Napoli arrives at the Zini with the enthusiasm of the Super Cup but also with the need to redeem the misstep against Udinese. At -2 from Inter, Antonio Conte's team has a great opportunity: to win and put pressure on the leader, who will take the field only in the evening.

Davide Nicola's Cremonese is anything but a soft opponent. With a victory, they could catch up with Lazio and continue to dream big after a surprising start to the season. Nicola fields the starters, relying on the Bonazzoli-Vardy duo and a dynamic midfield led by Bondo.

Conte, on the other hand, is forced to deal with yet another emergency: out are Meret, De Bruyne, Anguissa, Gilmour, Beukema, Olivera, and Lukaku. No real turnover possible, thus space for the men coming from the Super Cup. Napoli relies on Hojlund supported by Neres and Elmas, with Politano and Spinazzola on the wings. A victory could mean “provisional overtake and direct message to Inter.”

Bologna-Sassuolo (18:00): high-tension Emilia derby

The program is completed by the Emilia derby between Bologna and Sassuolo. The Rossoblù of Italiano want to react to the disappointment in the Super Cup and reclaim the sixth position, lost to Como. Sassuolo, just outside the top ten, arrives with concrete ambitions and Volpato in great form.

Bologna changes something: Fabbian in the attacking midfield, Orsolini and Rowe on the wings, possible chance for Dallinga from the first minute. Grosso has to do without Berardi but relies on Cheddira and Laurienté, with central insertions that can create problems for the opposing defense.

A round that can change the balance

The 17th day of Serie A is not just an intermediate step, but a true strategic junction. Inter is called to confirm itself, Napoli can put concrete pressure, Milan remains lurking. With such delicate intersections, the standings could change face in the coming hours.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.