Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has said that the pressure is on Inter Milan and Napoli to stop the Bianconeri from winning a ninth-straight league title. The Bianconeri have experienced a change of head coach this summer with Maurizio Sarri replacing Max Allegri at the helm but they are still regarded as the outright favourites to win the Serie A crown.
Speaking to reporters, Chiellini said that the Bianconeri have the less pressure when compared to Inter and Napoli. He added that the former have strengthen their squad further this summer and they alongside Napoli, who have been consistent will experience more pressure in the quest to end Juventus’ dominance in the Italian top-flight.
“Inter also had the squad last year to win the Scudetto, this year it was further strengthened so yes, Inter and Napoli I think are a step above the others. A gap is being created between the first three and the others, at least on paper, but then it is the field that speaks, and it will not be easy to win. There will also be a little more pressure for them because a team that makes that market there as did Inter, and a team that it gives continuity as Naples cannot hide yet and say it must not win,” he said.
Inter and Napoli have strengthened their squad with quality recruits this summer but the main focus has been on the striking and defensive department respectively. With Mauro Icardi out-of-favour at Inter, they have gone for the services of Romelu Lukaku, who has found success in the Premier League over the years.
On the other hand, Napoli have pursued Kostas Manolas from league rivals AS Roma and the Greek defender is expected to partner Kalidou Koulibaly at the heart of the backline and provide the extra security required to push for the league title. Inter start the league season against newly-promoted Lecce. Napoli, meanwhile, have a tougher challenge against Fiorentina on the road.