Football: Milan's destiny rests with trip to Perugia

THE RACE for the Italian league title, the scudetto, is going to the wire and Milan will pick up their fifth title of the decade if they win at relegation-threatened Perugia in Channel 4's live Serie A game tomorrow.

While Lazio, a point behind the leaders, entertain Parma, the Uefa Cup winners who have nothing to play for, Milan, in their first season under Alberto Zaccheroni, are on the verge of a return to glory.

But it won't be easy at Perugia. Four of the 18 clubs in Europe's most skilful league will be condemned to Serie B at the end of the season and Perugia need a win to be sure of staying in the top flight. Their key player is the talented playmaker Hidetoshi Nakata of Japan - in whom Arsenal are reportedly interested.

Milan, however, have been in rampant form, winning their last six games. If Milan draw or lose and Lazio win, the Romans will win their first title in 25 years but, if Milan lose and Lazio draw, both clubs will end on 68 points and there will be a play-off. Perugia have Giovanni Tedesco suspended and the Ecuadorian Ivan Kaviedes is set to start up front. Milan are at full strength.

TOMORROW'S FIXTURES (league positions in brackets): Cagliari (12) v Fiorentina (4); Empoli (18) v Udinese (7); Internazionale (9) v Bologna (8); Juventus (6) v Venezia (11); Lazio (2) v Parma (3); Perugia (14) v Milan (1); Piacenza (13) v Salernitana (15); Sampdoria (16) v Bari (10); Vicenza (17) v Roma (5).