Inter braced for Juve test

Midweek defeat
The game represents the sternest test yet for the Nerazzurri who have been in excellent form of late, collecting 34 out of a possible 36 points before their shock midweek defeat at ACF Fiorentina. Roberto Mancini may publically have already conceded the title to the Bianconeri, but the Inter coach will be desperate for his side step up their Scudetto challenge in front of the home supporters.

'Too far behind'
"We have to forget this unjust defeat immediately," said Mancini. "On Sunday I want to see my team play a good game and win. Even if we play to our very best over the next few games it will too hard. It won't matter if we win against Juve and close the gap, it will be almost impossible to reopen the title race, we only have to defend our second place."

Adriano drought
Inter welcome back 21-year-old Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins after his country's African Cup of Nations exit and he is expected to return to the starting line-up alongside Brazilian Adriano, who has not scored for over a month. Juventus striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will also be keen to get his name on the scoresheet again after finally ending a 12 game barren spell by netting the equaliser against Parma FC in their midweek stalemate.

'Mental toughness'
In the same game Juventus coach Fabio Capello lost right-back Gianluca Zambrotta with a thigh injury, a problem which may force him to move Lilian Thuram to the right side of the back four, with Robert Kovač moving alongside former Inter player Fabio Cannavaro in the heart of the defence. Capello remains upbeat going into arguably their biggest domestic match of the season, despite the enforced changes at the back and the unexpected draw with Parma. "I prefer to see the result as a point gained on Inter, rather than two points lost," he said. "I'm very pleased with my team's mental toughness and I'm confident we can play a great game at San Siro."

Return to form 
Third placed AC Milan, who have struggled for consistency in recent weeks leaving them 12 points adrift of champions Juve, will hope Wednesday's 5-0 win over Treviso FC is a sign of things to come when they visit Reggina Calcio. Milan are already looking over their shoulders at both Fiorentina and the seemingly unstoppable AS Roma who will go in search of a club record ninth consecutive win in Serie A when they visit AC Siena. Udinese Calcio take on S.S. Lazio in Rome on Saturday one day after parting company with coach Serse Cosmi.