Who can stop Inter retaining the scudetto?

In similar vein to their relentless title march in the previous two seasons, Inter have been leading the Serie A standings since day one of the current campaign.

In the last two seasons, Roma were widely regarded as Inter's sole genuine challengers for the title but this time round, Jose Mourinho's team could face stiff opposition from bitter rivals Juventus and Milan.

With two games left before the end of the first round, Inter have already been crowned winter champions as they have a six-point lead over Juventus while Milan, the only team to beat Inter this season, are nine points off the title pace.

Are Juve and Milan good enough to overhaul Inter in the championship race?

Mourinho, who succeeded Roberto Mancini last summer, has assembled a very strong Inter squad with very few weak points.

Despite not playing attractive and dazzling football, Inter are still getting the desired results as illustrated by their amazing run of eight straight victories. Consistency and the depth of their squad are, beyond doubt, Inter's trump cards in this season's title race.

Statistics also support the perception that Inter have the best team in the Serie A as they possess the most prolific attack and the best defensive record.

It's hard to trace weaknesses in the current Inter squad but the addition of a world-class creative midfielder would surely make them even more formidable.

Luis Figo is past his prime and fellow Portuguese winger Ricardo Quaresma has failed to prove his worth since his summer move to Inter.

In the last two seasons, especially last term, Mancini's Inter experienced a dip in performances after the Christmas recess. This slump also coincided with the team's early exit from the Champions League.

Come February/March, Inter have a bumper Champions League Knock-Out match against FIFA Club World Cup winners Manchester United. According to Inter president Massimo Moratti, the English and European champions will be the yardstick to measure Inter's progress under the shrewd Mourinho this season.

Inter's progress in the Champions League plays a crucial role in their quest to retain the domestic crown. Although Mourinho has cover in all three departments, it is very difficult for any club to win the Serie A and the Champions League in the same season.

Only two Italian clubs have managed that feat - Inter, led by Helenio Herrera and Angelo Moratti (father of Massimo) in the mid-1960s and Fabio Capello's Milan in season 1993/94.

In the 2008-09 Champions League group stages, Inter were anything but impressive. They managed to make it to the second round with only eight points under their belt and after losing two matches.

Overcoming Inter's European Cup syndrome is a daunting task for Mourinho. The Nerazzurri have been underperforming in Europe's premier club competition for decades. It is high time Inter extend their dominance to the continent to achieve the greatness they crave.

In the Serie A title race, Inter are still considered as hot favourites to retain the crown. Unlike previous years, this is not because of a lack of strong opposition, but simply because Inter are better equipped than Juventus and Milan.

Carlo Ancelotti's Milan may have an edge over Inter and Juventus due to their non-participation in the Champions League.

However, if Inter remain consistent, particularly in the February/March period, it will be very difficult for the likes of Juventus and Milan to wrest the title from their rivals' grasp.