Inter set sights on victories landmark

Italy's domestic league season resumes today with the focus as much on Serie B as on the top flight. Increasingly it seems the only question to be answered in Serie A is whether Internazionale will today set a new mark for consecutive league wins.

Roberto Mancini's side equalled Roma's 11-match record on the last day before the mid-season break. Victory at Torino this evening will also extend their lead to 10 points, although Roma can cut it back to seven should they win in Messina tomorrow. The title appears to be between these two as third-placed Palermo are 13 points adrift of Inter and Catania, in fourth, are another nine points distant.

Serie B is a different kettle of pesci. Two points separate the top six. Juventus, one of four clubs on 32 points, remain favourites to gain promotion but the disgraced former champions have strong competition. The joint leaders Rimini and Piacenza (33 points) are not expected to last the course but the clubs level with Juve, Napoli, Genoa and Bologna, are all well-supported with access to funds.

Only the top two gain automatic promotion with the next four teams contesting one promotion berth via play-offs. Juventus visit Mantova today.