A potentially spectacular clash will take place at San Siro as a reborn Milan take on Serie A revelations Sampdoria.

The Rossoneri are flying high and have improved in recent weeks after a poor start to the season. Last weekend’s win over Catania was a positive one and now this game against Doria could represent a turning point. Il Diavolo are second behind Inter and, considering that the Nerazzurri are playing Juventus, a win could see them close the gap.

“Inter are physically superior,” noted boss Leonardo. “While we always need to develop and build up our openings. But things have been going well recently and everything seems to work fine.”

After a fabulous start to the term, Sampdoria are now struggling. It is understandable though and the Blucerchiati still play some of the best football in the League. Last weekend they were defeated in the Genoa derby but they remain in fourth position – and after all, that’s all that matters.

“Genoa deserved to win,” admitted Gigi Del Neri. “They controlled Antonio Cassano really well so credit to them. Some of my players need to learn how to play in Serie A at certain levels.”

Leonardo will stick to his new entertaining strategy with Clarence Seedorf playing behind a trident formed by Alexandre Pato, Marco Borriello and Ronaldinho. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will probably start from the bench despite his winning brace against Catania. Ignazio Abate will still cover the right-back spot.

Del Neri has three men out due to suspension – Angelo Palombo, Fabrizio Cacciatore and Marco Rossi. Palombo will be sorely missed in midfield as Davide Franceschini tries to cover that hole.

Keep an eye on: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Milan) – The former Real Madrid ace finally found the net in Rossonero. He compared himself to Marco Van Basten but there is a long way to go before he reaches the level of the Flying Dutchman.

Last five in Serie A: Milan (D W W W W) Sampdoria (L D L W L)

Last season: Milan 3-0 Sampdoria

It is time for the game of games, the Scudetto showdown and the bitter grudge-match otherwise known as the Derby d’Italia.

This has always been a battle royal, but in recent years with Calciopoli and the contested 2005-06 title that rivalry cranked up several gears. Sometimes this has taken a nasty turn and fears remain that the referee might have to suspend play if Juventus fans repeat racist chants against Mario Balotelli. The club has done everything possible to discourage these offensive attacks, including an open letter from Mariella Scirea, the widow of Bianconeri legend Gaetano.

Last season it was a dramatic 1-1 draw, as Balotelli’s goal was cancelled out in stoppages by Zdenek Grygera. Super Mario has an excellent record in Turin, netting a brace here in the 2008 Coppa Italia for a 3-2 victory. In Serie A Inter’s last win in this city was sealed by a lone Julio Cruz strike on April 20, 2005, but the last two editions have ended 1-1.

Such a result would not be acceptable to the Bianconeri now, as they already trail the leaders by eight points and were leapfrogged by Milan last weekend. The 2-0 defeat at Cagliari was an example of all that has gone wrong with their Scudetto push so far, dropping points to the smaller clubs. Giorgio Chiellini fractured his nose yet again in that tie, but will be able to play with the aid of his trusty protective mask. No such luck for David Trezeguet and Vincenzo Iaquinta, who are unlikely to recover in time.

Felipe Melo is not 100 per cent fit, but above all has been in dire form recently, so should make way for Christian Poulsen and Momo Sissoko. The current crisis could prompt Ciro Ferrara to adopt a diamond midfield, setting Diego up as the bridge to Amauri and Alessandro Del Piero. It is a more solid system than the 4-2-3-1 and provides better protection against Inter’s notorious counter-attacks.

On Friday afternoon Inter will learn if Douglas Maicon can play, as his appeal against a two-match ban for insulting the match official comes to the Disciplinary Commission. If the Brazilian is not forgiven, then Javier Zanetti should again take the right-back role, as Davide Santon is also injured.

The big change regards Wesley Sneijder, who has still not been training regularly due to that on-going knee problem. There’s very little hope of seeing the Dutchman, so Dejan Stankovic – who so nearly joined Juventus – supports Samuel Eto’o and Diego Milito. Ricardo Quaresma had a rare start in last week’s 1-0 victory over Fiorentina and impressed, but he too is struggling with a fitness problem.

Will the Nerazzurri continue to be dominant in Serie A and terminate Juve’s Scudetto hopes, or can the Bianconeri break the title race wide open as well as puncture the tyres of their bitter rivals? Tune in Saturday to find out.

Keep an eye on: Dejan Stankovic (Inter) – Hated only marginally less than Balotelli by the Juventus fans, his transfer to Turin was all sealed until the supporters refused to accept him. Jose Mourinho is thankful for their anger, as Stankovic has been on excellent form this season and it’s his job to take the trequartista role in Turin.

Last five in Serie A: Juventus (W L W W L) Inter (W W D W W)

Last season: Juventus 1-1 Inter