Milan Seeks Third Consecutive Derby Victory Against Inter To Boost Serie A Campaign

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AC Milan are set to challenge Inter's title ambitions in the upcoming Derby della Madonnina. The Serie A title race is primarily between Inter and Napoli, both performing well this season. Milan, however, have a chance to alter the dynamics. Currently, Sergio Conceicao's team is seventh with 34 points, while Inter sits second with 50 points, trailing Napoli by three points but with a game in hand.

A victory for Milan on Sunday could not only disrupt Inter's title pursuit but also revive their own campaign after a lacklustre season. Milan have already defeated Inter twice this season—once in the league and again in the Supercopa Italiana final. Achieving a third consecutive win would be significant for Milan, marking their first such streak against Inter since 2011.

Both teams are dealing with injury issues ahead of the derby. Emerson Royal will miss out for Milan due to a calf injury. However, new signing Kyle Walker might make his debut after joining on loan from Manchester City. For Inter, Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi are nearing full fitness and could return to action soon.

The main challenge for Milan will be breaking through Inter's strong defence. Inter have kept clean sheets in seven consecutive away games in Serie A, winning all those matches with an aggregate score of 23-0. Only Milan have achieved more consecutive away clean sheets in the competition's history.

Elsewhere, Juventus face Empoli on Sunday as Thiago Motta aims to reverse their fortunes. Juventus were unbeaten until a narrow loss to Napoli last Saturday but have drawn 13 of their 22 matches, leaving them fifth and two points shy of the top four. Following a Champions League defeat to Benfica, pressure mounts on Motta to guide Juventus back on track.

This season, Juventus have won only eight of their first 22 Serie A matches—their lowest since the 1987-88 campaign when they won their 23rd match against Pisa. Criticism has been directed at Motta's side for lacking attacking prowess; their average sequence time is the longest in Serie A at 15.2 seconds compared to Empoli's seven seconds.

Challenges for Napoli and Atalanta

Meanwhile, Antonio Conte's Napoli travel to Roma on Sunday after securing seven straight league wins. Roma remain unbeaten in six league matches under Claudio Ranieri, who became their third coach this season last November after a shaky start.

Atalanta face Torino on Saturday following a tough period where they've won just once in five league games, falling seven points behind Napoli. Torino could pose difficulties as they are unbeaten in five league games (one win, four draws) and aim for their first league double over Atalanta since the 2015-16 season.

Milan's potential victory over Inter could significantly impact the title race while also boosting their own standing after recent struggles. With key players possibly returning from injuries for both teams, Sunday's derby promises intense competition as each side seeks crucial points.