This archive report was first published on 25 October 2019.
Italian football giants Juventus and Inter Milan are back in action in Serie A, with both teams riding high after their European successes this week.
As of eight games, Juventus are just one point ahead of Inter Milan in the Italian league.
On Tuesday, Juventus extended their unbeaten run in all competitions with a 2-1 win over Lokomotiv Moscow in Turin, thanks to Paulo Dybala's quick-fire double.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, beat Dortmund 2-0 in the San Siro the following night, boosting their last 16 hopes in Europe.
"We're very much alive," said Inter Milan coach Antonio 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."
"We're very much alive," said Inter Milan coach Antonio 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." — Antonio Conte
Other key matches in Serie A this weekend include Atalanta's return to home comforts against Udinese, Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli's match against relegation-threatened SPAL, and a clash between fallen giants Roma and AC Milan.
AC Milan, struggling in 12th place, are desperate for a first win under new coach Stefano Pioli, while Roma are seeking a morale-boosting win after being held 1-1 by Borussia Monchengladbach in Europa League action.
"It's not a great spell for us," said Roma forward Edin Dzeko, who is 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."
"It's not a great spell for us," said Roma forward Edin Dzeko, who is 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." — Edin Dzeko
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.
Genoa, meanwhile, welcome new coach Thiago Motta, who takes charge of the club where his playing career took off a decade ago.
"In 2008, Genoa changed my situation. Now I really want to coach the squad and change our fortunes," said Motta.
Former Italy international Motta's only previous coaching experience is with PSG's U19 team, which he managed until July.
The 37-year-old former PSG, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid player takes over a Genoa side that has won just one game out of eight this season.
Here are some key statistics ahead of the weekend's matches:
- 116 - Dries Mertens' goals for Napoli, one more than Diego Maradona
- 21 - Atalanta's lead in league goals scored
- 15 - Genoa's unbeaten run in home matches against Brescia
- 12 - Ciro Immobile's contributions to Lazio's league goals this season - 9 goals and 3 assists
Here are the fixtures for the weekend:
- Verona v Sassuolo (9.45pm)
- Lecce v Juventus (4pm), Inter Milan v Parma (7pm), Genoa v Brescia (9.45pm)
- Bologna v Sampdoria (1.30pm), Atalanta v Udinese, SPAL v Napoli, Torino v Cagliari (all 1pm), AS Roma v AC Milan (7pm), Fiorentina v Lazio (9.45pm)
