MILAN (Reuters) – Inter Milan strolled to their Serie A title win last season but their manager anticipates a much tighter Scudetto battle this time, with Sunday’s opponents Juventus among the hardest opponents, Simone Inzaghi said on Saturday. Inzaghi’s side had a winning margin of 19 points over city rivals AC Milan last season but, as they prepare to host Juventus in the Derby d’Italia, Inter are two points behind leaders Napoli, and just one ahead of Juve. “I don’t like to talk much about favourites and things like that,” Inzaghi told reporters.
“This year it will be a more balanced championship than usual; many teams have spent a lot to close the gap that had been created. “Juventus are the best team in Europe in terms of goals conceded, they have an excellent coach who I really like and they have invested a lot. They will remain protagonists throughout the year.
” While Juve coach Thiago Motta, along with Napoli’s Antonio Conte, continue to play down their own chances of winning the title, Inzaghi’s success does not allow him that luxury. “I don’t know if it’s a strategy or something else, I can only speak for myself,” Inzaghi said. “We know that we start from the beginning of the season with clear goals, to play as many games as possible to ensure that we get as far as possible in the cups and try to be competitive in the league.
” Inter come into the clash with injury concerns. Defender Francesco Acerbi is still out with a thigh injur.