Milan: Champions Juventus turn their focus back to maintaining their Serie A supremacy ahead of nearest challengers Inter Milan with both Italian teams riding high after their European successes this week.
Juventus are just one point ahead of Inter Milan in the Italian league after eight games.
Maurizio Sarri’s side head to promoted Lecce, while Antonio Conte’s Inter are at home against Parma.
Juve extended their unbeaten run in all competitions with Paulo Dybala’s quick-fire double earning a 2-1 over Lokomotiv Moscow in Turin on Tuesday in Europe.
Inter Milan beat Dortmund 2-0 in the San Siro the following night to boost their last 16 hopes, with Napoli also coming through with a thrilling 3-2 win in Salzburg.
“We’re very much alive,” said Conte. “Unfortunately, we can’t enjoy this result too much. We now have less than three days to recuperate ahead of our match against Parma, who are on an excellent run.”
Third-placed Atalanta return to the comforts of home against Udinese licking their wounds after a bruising 5-1 defeat to Manchester City.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli, one point behind the Bergamo side in fourth and six adrift of Juventus, need a result at relegation-threatened SPAL to keep pace with the leaders.
In a match between fallen giants, sixth-placed Roma host an AC Milan side who are struggling in 12th and desperate for a first win under new coach Stefano Pioli.
The injury-hit Romans were bitter after being held 1-1 by Borussia Monchengladbach’s last-gasp penalty in Europa League action on Thursday.
“It’s not a great spell for us,” said Roma forward Edin Dzeko, wearing a mask to protect a broken cheekbone.
“This was our fourth draw in a row and a win would have been a morale boost.
“There’s no point looking back though, only forward. We have a match against AC Milan and we must do everything possible to win it.”
City rivals Lazio are also in need of a boost as they travel to Fiorentina, after falling 2-1 to Celtic in their Europa League clash.
Fixtures
Saturday
Lecce v Juventus, 5pm
Inter Milan v Parma, 8pm
Genoa v Brescia, 10.45pm
Sunday
Bologna v Sampdoria, 2.30pm
Atalanta v Udinese, 5pm
SPAL v Napoli, 5pm
Torino v Cagliari, 5pm
Roma v AC Milan, 8pm
Fiorentina v Lazio, 10.45pm
