Inter open a gap at the top
Two wins in five days carry FC Internazionale Milano four points clear after fifteen rounds, while Fiorentina's challenge stalls in Milan.
"We are not looking at the table," said Inter captain after the final whistle in Florence. "We are looking at the next match. That is the only way to keep this run going."
Inter left Fiorentina with three points and a four-point cushion at the top of Serie A. The 2-1 win at the Artemio Franchi, coupled with the 3-0 home victory over Atalanta three days earlier, means the champions have won twelve of fifteen games and conceded only six goals all season. Their goal difference of plus twenty-five is the best in the division.
Fiorentina had arrived in Milan on the back of a 2-0 win at Torino, and they pushed Inter hard. But the leaders' defensive discipline held. They have kept nine clean sheets; no side in Serie A can match that.
Juventus remain second, four points back, after a 2-1 win over Frosinone. Fiorentina are level on points with the Bianconeri but trail on goal difference. Napoli, 4-0 winners at Brescia, are fourth, eight points behind Inter. Lazio drew 1-1 with Cittadella and are fifth.
At the bottom, Cosenza's 3-2 defeat to Udinese leaves them rooted to the foot of the table with seven points. Cittadella and Perugia are both on ten points, but Perugia's draw at Bologna means they have won only once all season.
Inter's next test is in the Champions League, away to Borussia Dortmund on 12 December. The German side are struggling with fatigue, but the Italians will not take anything for granted. "We respect every opponent," the captain said. "But we fear no one."
For now, the Nerazzurri are in control. The title is not won in December, but it can be shaped. And Inter's shape is the most solid in Italy.