Italy’s top two clash in battle of titans

Napoli, Inter are only two unbeaten teams in Serie A

MILAN: Napoli return to domestic action looking for a lift after their European setback with a fascinating top of the table clash at home against Inter Milan in Serie A on Saturday.

Maurizio Sarri's side have little time to dwell on Tuesday's 2-1 loss at Manchester City as they focus on a clash that could prove crucial in the Serie A title race.

Napoli are flying high with a perfect 24 points from eight games — two ahead of second-placed Inter — and a win would give the southerners a five-point cushion on their pursuers.

The clash is between the only two unbeaten sides in Serie A.

"We were defeated on the pitch but not in spirit," warned Amadou Diawara, who scored his maiden goal for Napoli in Manchester. "I'm happy with the goal in Manchester. It was pity about the result, but the head is only for Inter now. The team showed strength and character. We know it's difficult but it's going to be a fascinating title race. We will play in San Paulo, in front of our people and the fans will give us a great boost. But we also know that we're meeting a team in great shape."

Inter, chasing a first win at the San Paolo stadium in two decades, have fresher legs with no European action midweek and boosted after a Mauro Icardi hat-trick lifted them past city rivals AC Milan in the prestigious Derby della Madonnina.

Inter's former Newcastle defender Davide Santon warned that last Sunday's derby excitement was already far behind the team and urged "the right ruthlessness."

Champions Juventus have regained some of their sparkle after recent setbacks with a 2-1 Champions League win against Sporting Lisbon.

The reigning six-time Serie A winners had picked up just one point from their last two games to drop five points off top spot after last weekend's defeat to Lazio in Turin.

Massimiliano Allegri's side ease back into domestic duty with a trip to Udinese, just one point above the drop zone.

Although Allegri admitted his team had lost some of their brilliance he urged them "to resume the championship race in Udine".