FCBARCELONA.CAT

14.04.2010 12:50

Inter off top spot

Jordi Clos

Inter's defeat against Fiorentina at the weekend combined with Roma's triumph over Atlanta meant that for the first time in four years at this stage of the season the Nerazzuri are no in first place in Serie A.

Only a few weeks ago José Mourinho's side were in a dominant position at the top of the table and appeared to be on course for yet another championship win, but things have opened up completely. Roma are now a point ahead while AC Milan are in third place and just three points behind Inter. Since Juventus were relegated in 2006 there has been little movement at the summit of Italian football, but just a week before Barça travel to the San Siro there has been a change.

Three great years

In the 2006/07 campaign Inter went top after eleven matches and stayed there while the following year it was the fifth game that saw them move into first place and not drop down again. Last term Mourinho saw Inter reach top spot after eleven games also and he was able to steer the team to yet another title triumph at the end of the campaign. This season the team have been in first place since matchday six, but instead of calmly gliding towards a trophy they have instead taken their eye off the ball and allowed Roma to take over.

Early doors

Inter have an early chance to regain the leadership as they take on Juventus in the classic encounter that was moved forward to allow for more preparation time ahead of the Champions League semi final. Inter need to beat La Vecchia Signora and for Roma to then slip up in the capital derby against Lazio to reclaim first place for another week.