Off form Inter and Napoli clash in high stakes showdown with Atalanta chasing

Neither league leaders Inter Milan or second-placed Napoli are in the best of form ahead of what could be a season-defining spectacle when the two sides meet in a high-stakes Serie A clash on Saturday.

Inter recently snatched top spot from Napoli and are a point ahead of their title rivals with both sides having 12 games left to play.

Neither side, however, can claim to be at their peak ahead of the game in Naples, as a gruelling season begins to take its toll with injury lists expanding at a worrying rate.

Inter have won two of their last five league games, while Napoli, who are still adjusting to life without Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who left for Paris St Germain in January, are winless in their last four.

Napoli earned just three points from four matches in February, with key midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa sidelined due to a calf injury sustained in their recent loss to Como and winger David Neres recovering from a hamstring injury.

However, Inter are not without their own problems, particularly in defence, with Carlos Augusto, Matteo Darmian and midfielder Nicola Zalewski all sidelined due to recent injuries.

Veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer is still recovering from a thumb operation and it remains unclear if he will be fit to return.

Backup keeper Josep Martinez, touted as a future first choice, has already made his debut for the club and is likely to be called upon again.

ATALANTA MOVING CLOSE

Despite a turbulent period that saw Atalanta exit the Champions League and manager Gian Piero Gasperini announce he would not renew his contract, all while dealing with a spat with key striker Ademola Lookman, the Bergamo club have capitalised on Inters and Napolis inconsistent form to narrow the gap in the title race.

Atalanta have 54 points,