Serie A talking points as Inter Milan look to Mauro Icardi to get back among goals

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  • Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi hasn't scored since January 5.

    Several sides will be looking to get back on track on Sunday before Serie A temporarily winds up for the international break.

    Usurped leaders Napoli will be feeling the pressure after a poor run saw them drop behind six-time-successive champions Juventus for the first time since September. Internazionale’s travails leaves them at risk of missing a return to the Champions League, while Cagliari could take a big step away from danger.

    SAMPDORIA V INTERNAZIONALE

    Last weekend’s return of Argentina hot shot Mauro Icardi was supposed to cure all of Inter’s ails.

    The 18-goal skipper was then anonymous during the 0-0 draw with Napoli in his first start for more than a month. But he wasn’t alone in a game dominated by defences.

    A return to Samp should present greater prey. His former club have conceded the most goals in the top 10 with 38 and have lost two of their last three games – food for thought when you haven’t notched since January 5.

    Fifth-placed Inter’s run of one loss in nine games only contains two wins. But expect both the visiting club and their star striker to increase these tallies.

    Prediction: 0-2

    BENEVENTO V CAGLIARI

    A valuable chance to strike has presented itself for the Sicilians.

    Cagliari sit an uncomfortable two points outside the relegation places after going winless during their last four games. This is despite taking the lead twice in a 2-2 draw with high-flying Lazio last time out and the reintegration of electric North Korea forward Han Kwang-Song.

    Next up are bottom-placed Benevento. the promoted outfit sit a minimum 14 points from safety and have lost their last two games.

    With ex-Brazil defensive midfielder Sandro injured, Serie A’s worst defence with 61 goals conceded is even more exposed. Cagliari cannot let this opportunity slip by.

    Prediction: 1-3

    NAPOLI V GENOA

    The highs of a 10-match winning run seem a distant memory for Napoli.

    Maurizio Sarri’s men have hit a wall, dropping five points in their last two games to sit well in arrears of Juve. In their defence, the slip-ups have come against Roma and Inter – the panic button can only truly be pressed if mid-table Genoa are not seen off this afternoon.

    The key is to remain within striking distance ahead of next month’s summit meeting in Turin.

    Genoa should be pliable opponents. They are probably already assured safety, with only veteran forward Goran Pandev’s inside knowledge a worry for Napoli – he scored 22 times for them from 2011-14.

    Prediction: 3-0

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