Chiellini: Juve, Milan the only real contenders

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini believes the battle for this season’s Scudetto has become a two-horse race between Juve and AC Milan.

Chiellini’s side lead Serie A by a solitary point from Milan, having played one game less than the defending champions.

Udinese sit third, three points off top spot, with Lazio and Inter Milan behind, but Chiellini believes there are now just two genuine title contenders left.

“It would now appear to be a two-horse race, but this year’s championship is finely balanced and there could be some other big comebacks,” Chiellini told Sky Sports Italia.

“I have never underestimated Udinese, though if they were to go progress further in the Europa League, we could see a drop off in the league.”

“Inter had made an amazing and unexpected recovery, (but) now they have slowed up in recent games.”

With Juve still undefeated and unburdened by European competition, Antonio Conte’s men appear to have all of the odds stacked in their favour.

But Chiellini suspects everything could hinge on how they fare over the next month, given they must face Milan at San Siro twice in February – once in the Coppa Italia and once in the league.

“It’s too early to be feeling like favourites,” Chiellini said. “You are playing every couple of days and a mistake will allow Milan to change things.”

“In the next month we will have many commitments, including the Italian Cup, and when they are concluded we will have a clearer picture, particularly after the games against one another.”

Juventus tackle Siena this weekend, while Milan welcome Napoli to San Siro.