Inter to test Juve’s title defense claims

MILAN - Agence France-Presse

Inter’s Colombian player Fredy Guarin celebrates a goal during the team’s 3-1 win against Sampdoria. EPA photo

Champion Juventus faces a test of its title-defending credentials Nov. 3 when a resurgent Inter Milan travels to Turin with a real chance of reducing its four-point deficit from the top.

Juventus extended its unbeaten streak to 49 matches after a Paul Pogba header helped secure a 2-1 win at Bologna on Oct. 31 as Napoli slipped up at Atalanta and Inter moved up to second with a 3-1 win at home to Sampdoria.

A 50th match without defeat will be expected by fans of the Old Lady, but Inter’s resurgence has slashed the odds.

Inter’s sixth win on the trot came in timely fashion ahead of the ‘Derby d’Italia.’

Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso admits Juve’s “good run” deserved applause, but said Inter’s good form is a reflection of the team’s high expectations.

“It’ll be an important match, and definitely a different one from the others,” he told www.inter.it. “This Inter team is now in the situation that it should be in.”