The difference in points between the champions and the runners-up of Serie A last season was 12 points. Inter beat city rivals Milan to win the league title. It is altogether a different story this season. After 29 games, Milan are top of the table with 63 points, Napoli are second with 60 points, Inter and Juventus are third and fourth with 59 and 56 points respectively. Inter, however, have a game in hand and could go above Napoli if they win that game.

The following visualisation compares these four teams who are in the title race. The title race, so far, has seen so many twists and turns and as we approach the business end of the season, none of the four teams seem to back out.

AC Milan:

Milan last won the league title in 2011 when they finished above city rivals Inter by six points. We could be in for a similar finish this season if both the teams’ current form continues. Stefano Pioli’s men have not been the best team both offensively and defensively this season but they have rode their luck to stay at top of the table. After one of the best starts to the season, Milan suffered a bump in form when they lost back-to-back games in November against Fiorentina and Sassuolo. AC Milan have been the fourth best team both offensively and defensively but their quality on the pitch means that they have what it takes to go all the way.

Napoli:

Napoli last won the league title in 1990, 32 years back. Under Luciano Spalletti, Napoli, not only have the chance to finish higher than last season, but win the league title for the first time this century. Napoli have been the best team defensively this season in Serie A. Only five other teams have conceded fewer goals than Spalletti’s men in Europe’s top five leagues. Attack-wise, Napoli have been below-par. They have faced some downturn in form in recent weeks, but like Milan, they do not face any of their title-race rivals and this should mean they have a very good chance to go all the way.

Inter:

After having one of the worst possible summer windows after winning the league title last season, not many expected Inter to be in the race at this time of the season. However, in spite of losing their top striker Lukaku in the window, Inter have scored the most goals in the league this season. Their consistency has let them down this season but their quality upfront has carried them. Defensively, Inter have been the second best team next to Napoli in terms of goals conceded. Inter still have a game left against Juventus, adding to that their game in hand means that this race could very much be neck-and-neck between Inter and Milan.

Juventus:

Juventus have not had the best of seasons in recent years. After welcoming back Massimiliano Allegri in the summer of 2021, Juventus have struggled for form, especially in front of goal. Juventus rank 10th for goals scored but their decent defensive record means that they are still in the race. Juventus last lost a game in November and are picking up some momentum, winning all of their last three games. Experience of Allegri could come in handy towards the end of the season but if the numbers are to be believed, Juventus are least likely to win the title.