A step in the right direction

Although some contend that the 2005/06 title contest is already over, past experience teaches that the Italian championship is won and lost in the period February-March.

Juventus, eight points clear of nearest pursuers Inter, are the clear favourites to retain the crown but with a massive 66 points still up for grabs, anything can happen.

Inter, Milan and Fiorentina are still in contention. More signings during the January transfer window can augment the chances of the challengers but in Inter's case many feel that the best for them would be to keep the team unchanged.

Inter have improved by leaps and bounds lately and it seems that finally they have reached a stage where they can consider themselves genuine scudetto candidates.

However, fears persist that Inter will have their chances diminished once Nigerian Obafemi Martins leaves the team to join his native country in next month's African Nations Cup in Egypt.

As a stop-gap solution, the sceptics have been linking Inter with a number of world-class strikers among whom Ronaldo, Antonio Cassano and Marco Di Vaio.

But does it really pay for Inter to sign another striker to replace Martins for a few matches?

Last summer, Inter took a bold decision to keep faith in coach Roberto Mancini and stuck to the same players that helped them win their first Coppa Italia in many years. Unlike past seasons, their transfer operations were limited to a minimum even though the signings of Julio Cesar, Walter Samuel and Louis Figo could not pass unnoticed.

Now, almost midway through the season, one can see Inter reaching their peak and as the competition intensifies, they are expected to offer the sternest test to Juventus.

It seems all players are behind Mancini and follow one objective - to end the club's long wait for the scudetto. Internal rifts have become something of the past. Those not playing regularly are accepting Mancini's decisions without complaints, at least in the media.

But, what would happen if Ronaldo or Cassano join Inter's bandwagon midway through the season to momentarily replace a striker who, after all, has only netted four goals so far in Serie A?

One expects a mixed reaction.

Take Cruz for example. The Argentina international is currently negotiating an extension to his contract which runs until next June. If Inter sign either Ronaldo or Cassano, Cruz will be reluctant to stay because his first-team appearances will be further limited.

Moreover, the valid ex-Bologna player has proved to be a valuable replacement for Adriano or Martins on many an occasion. Despite a limited number of appearances this season, he has already scored five goals in Serie A. He is more consistent in terms of goals than Recoba, who, however looks more suitable to partner Adriano up front.

But, in my opinion, it is not good for Inter to sign 'rebel' Cassano for obvious reasons.

The same can be said of Ronaldo. The Brazil striker is, by now, past his prime. Besides, three years ago he left San Siro in acrimony to join Real Madrid after Inter had honoured his contract in full for two whole years at a time when he was out injured.

Sometimes, Inter shoot at their own feet when they feel they have a chance to win honours. But, if Moratti's recent declarations are anything to go by, then this trend seems to be changing.

As things are at present, Inter do not need Ronaldo or Cassano. They will battle for the league title only if they manage to play consistently well and stay cool to handle the pressure.

Serie A statistics

1st home win in Serie A for Treviso as Alberto Cavasin's side scored a goal in each half to beat Lecce 2-1 in a direct encounter between two struggling sides. Following the weekend results, three teams - Parma, Treviso and Lecce - occupy the bottom spot in the standings. In another basement clash, Siena threw away a 2-1 lead over Parma for both teams to share the spoils for the first time in 29 years. Siena were well on their way to record their first home win over Parma since 1946 (3-1 in Serie B). But the visitors equalised through the up-and-coming Daniele Dessena deep into stoppage time to clinch their first positive away result after seven straight defeats.

2 defeats and one draw are all Palermo have to show from their last three home league games. On Sunday, the Sicilians were a far cry from the side that trounced Denmark's Brondby a few days before to make sure of qualification to the next round of the UEFA Cup as they went down at home to Livorno for the second year running. Tonight, Livorno, unbeaten in their last five outings, have the chance to go level on points with third-placed Milan if they beat them at their Armando Picchi stadium. Sampdoria-Roma won a point each after a one-all draw. Roma have now gone five successive games without a win and Samp are undefeated in their last three. Roma have last conquered Samp's Luigi Ferraris stadium on February 16, 1997 (2-1).

3rd consecutive defeat for crisis-hit Udinese as Serse Cosmi's side conceded a goal in each half to suffer their first defeat against Chievo in Verona since the 3-0 upset of April 2003. Defending champions and run-away leaders Juventus came from behind to share the spoils with in-form Lazio at the Olympic Stadium. Juve's first league draw of the season coincided with Lazio's third in eight home outings so far. For the record, Juventus, Milan, Livorno and Lazio are the only top division sides still unbeaten at home.

5th straight league win for Inter as they scored three goals inside the opening 30 minutes to annihilate Reggina to the tune of 4-0 at the Oreste Granillo stadium. Depleted Reggina were never in the game and Inter did not give them any chance to hit back. Inter's first win in Reggio Calabria since March 2004 (2-0) coincided with Reggina's first defeat after a four-match positive run (two wins and two draws). It is worth mentioning that Reggina's only win in six home fixtures vs Inter was on October 1, 2000 (2-1). That result had cost Marcello Lippi his job at Inter. Milan beat lowly Messina 4-0 to return to winning ways after consecutive defeats at the hands of Chievo and Inter. Sunday's comprehensive victory was Milan's first home win over Messina since February 28, 1965 (2-0). Milan and Messina never drew a match in four Serie A meetings at the San Siro.

7 years had to pass for Empoli and Fiorentina to share the spoils again in Serie A. In the light of Empoli's negative run of four straight defeats, coach Mario Somma opted to play a containing game. On their count, Fiorentina had to win at all cost if they were to close in on pace-setters Juventus. Cesare Prandelli's side had to wait until the 70th minute to break the deadlock but even then, their lead was short-lived as Empoli hit back immediately through Igli Vannucchi. This was the third successive game in which Italy striker Luca Toni has failed to score. The impression is that if he fails to score regularly, Fiorentina will start finding the going tough. Cagliari continued to show signs of recovery after their 2-1 home win over fellow strugglers Ascoli. Cagliari's second consecutive home success coincided with Ascoli's ninth winless game on the trot.

28 goals were scored on the 16th day: 15 coming from the hosts and the remaining 13 from the visitors. Foreigners contributed with 12 goals while there were 11 first-half goals. Total number of goals scored so far amount to 423. Toni still leads the scorers' list with 16 goals. He is followed by Juve's David Trezeguet on the 14-goal mark. Ascoli's Cristiano Del Grosso committed the only own goal of the day. Andriy Shevchenko grabbed the sole brace of the weekend. Igli Vannucchi (Empoli), David Pizarro (Inter) and Daniele Dessena (Parma) came on as substitutes and scored a goal. Three players - Stefano Mauri (Udinese), Michele Ferri (Palermo) and Vincenzo Sicignano (Lecce) - received marching orders. Meanwhile, five penalties were awarded by referees. Shevchenko put Milan ahead against Messina from the spot after 22 minutes and David Suazo doubled Cagliari's lead against Ascoli. The same did Victor Obinna for Chievo against Udinese but Mirko Vucinic's 69th minute penalty goal was not enough to salvage a draw for Lecce against Treviso. Francesco Flachi salvaged a home draw for Sampdoria against Roma by converting a second-half penalty.