'Sad' Inter return to Serie A title chase as Gattuso takes Napoli reins

Inter Milan turn ir focus back to Serie A title chase after ir Champions League flop while Gennaro Gattuso begins life as Napoli coach trying to end ir seven-game winless run in Italian league action this weekend. Inter Milan were only one of Italy's four Champions League teams to fail to make kckout rounds after a 2-1 defeat against Barcelona in San Siro. Antonio Conte's league leaders, who have a two-point advant over champions Juventus, travel to 13th-placed Fiorentina, with ir focus on claiming a first Serie A title since 2010. Inter stars Romelu Lukaku (ten) and Lautaro Martinez (eight) have between m scored as many goals as entire Fiorentina squad this season, with Tuscan side on a run of four consecutive defeats.

"I saw much disappointment in players' eyes and I was sad about that. We have to raise our heads again," said Conte.

"We have two games to go before Christmas break and hopefully we can bring back some players from injury." 

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Cristia Ronaldo's Juventus host Udinese, in 16th, on Sunday after ir unbeaten run ended last weekend against Lazio in Rome. Portuguese star Ronaldo has scored in his last three games including midweek Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen. In a battle between third and fourth, in-form Lazio and Cagliari go head-to-head. Simone Inzaghi's Lazio can extend ir winning streak to eight consecutive games but Cagliari are unbeaten in league since September 1.

Just behind, Roma host rock bottom SPAL needing to win to keep in touch, as do Atalanta, who travel Bologna after reaching Champions League last 16 in ir first season in Europe. In seventh, Napoli are eight points off Champions League places. A winless league run stretching back to October 19 cost Carlo Ancelotti his job, despite a thumping 4-0 win over Genk in Europe this week. Gattuso, 41, takes over from his former AC Milan mentor Ancelotti, and  his first game is at San Paolo Stadium against Parma.

"This is a team that cant miss Champions League and goal is to regain ground that separates us from top places," said Gattuso.

"Ancelotti is like a far to me. He also gave me advice on how to help team," continued former Glasgow Rangers player.

"I could t have wished for a better team, I have players available who marry perfectly with my tactical idea.

"I think this team can swim against current. "Napoli is a big sea where you can drown. But those who kw me, kw that I am t afraid of anything." 

AC Milan host Sassuolo chasing a third consecutive win for first time this season to move up from tenth place. Gea host city rivals Sampdoria in a relegation battle.

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One to watch

Vincenzo Montella's position as Fiorentina coach is under threat, with club five points above relegation zone with just one point from ir last five games. 45-year-old took over last April with club avoiding relegation by just three points. former AC Milan and Sevilla coach had also coached Fiorentina between 2012 and 2015, guiding m to three successive fourth-place finishes in Serie A. "I didn't come here to lose," warned club's new owner Rocco Commisso after last weekend's defeat.

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Key stats

200 - Gennaro Gattuso's games as a coach since 2013 50 - Brescia striker Mario Balotelli's Serie A goals 17 - Napoli's points off leaders Inter Milan 13 - Cagliari's unbeaten run

7 - Napoli's league games without a win

6 - Sampdoria's unbeaten run against Gea 2 - Points been leaders Inter Milan and Juventus. 

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