Former Inter Milan defender Fabio Galante believes the Nerazzurri are closing the gap to Juventus at the top of the Serie A table. The Nerazzurri made the perfect start to the season with six victories on the bounce but the run was halted by the Bianconeri last weekend, who beat them by a 2-1 scoreline.

As a result, Maurizio Sarri’s side have jumped to the top of the table with a one-point advantage over the Nerazzurri but the latter have nonetheless earned plaudits for the positive start to the season. Speaking on Sky Sport Italia, Galante acknowledged that the Bianconeri are the strongest team in the division but feels the Nerazzurri are making strides and could pose a genuine threat to the Bianconeri’s recent league dominance.

He told: “I think they’re the two strongest and best equipped teams. Juve are the strongest. Like Conte said, it’s like climbing a skyscraper. Inter, however, are making great strides and the owners want to grow the brand even further. I think Inter are getting closer to Juventus. Already this year they are aiming to annoy the Bianconeri and I think this is important.”

Juventus have won the Scudetto for eight seasons on the bounce and they are genuine favourites to win the league title for the ninth straight campaign. At the start of the season, Napoli were highlighted as the main threat for the title but certainly does not appear the case with Carlo Ancelotti’s side already six points behind Juventus after seven games played.

Inter are scheduled to face Sassuolo on the road after the international break and they should go into the game as favourites. Sassuolo have made a poor start to the season with six points from as many matches and the Nerazzurri will be hoping to return to winning ways such that they can maintain the pressure on the reigning champions.