Scudetto open as AC Milan replace Inter Milan as top dogs

Just like striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the balance of power has shifted to AC Milan from Inter Milan but at the mid-season break seven teams have a chance of the Serie A title in one of the closest races for years.

Injuries, confusion over the coach situation and a possible lack of hunger after last term's treble mean Inter's bid for a sixth straight scudetto is floundering with the side down in seventh, 13 points behind leaders Milan with two games  in hand.    

Rafael Benitez has faced a torrid time since replacing fans favourite Jose Mourinho in June and the Spaniard appears to be in the process of being sacked even if the European champions have only said the coach situation is a "mess". 

"He needs time to develop his role, his way of playing. I think removing him is mistaken," ex top-flight coach Renzo  Ulivieri, head of Italy's managers' association, said.                                          

Moaning about a lack of signings after Inter's Club World  Cup win last Saturday has also contributed to Benitez's demise  and the side do need new recruits in January if they are not  going to relinquish their title without a fight. 

Leonardo, Milan coach last term in his first job in management, is being tipped by the media to take over at  rivals Inter in a move which would seem incredible in other leagues but is nothing new in the wacky world of Italian  football.                                           

Milan and their fans can have no complaints about their old coach switching allegiances given their success this term has been built on the signing of ex-Inter forward Ibrahimovic, whose skill and power have added a new dimension to their  attack.

The Swede, seeking his own seventh consecutive league crown, was a major factor in Inter winning the 2007, 2008 and 2009 scudettos and after one mixed title-winning season at Barcelona he is back wowing Serie A but in red and black stripes.                                           

Another reason for Milan leading by three points just before the halfway stage of the season is coach Massimiliano  Allegri.                                                                                   

Juventus lurking                                           

Almost a novice at this level having only ever managed Cagliari in the top flight, Allegri is a shrewd operator and his decision to drop the fading Ronaldinho to the bench has allowed Milan to develop a more urgent and direct style of play.                                           

The lethargic Brazilian could head home in the January transfer window given Milan are bringing in Sampdoria's combustible but skilful forward Antonio Cassano while the return to fitness of striker Alexandre Pato also boosts options.

However, Milan are guaranteed nothing yet and defeats to Cesena, Juventus and AS Roma suggest the fragility shown under  Leonardo when they finished third last term still lingers.

Rather than watching Inter run away with the scudetto, this title battle is enthralling because of the new teams involved.                                           

Lazio, whose last title was in 2000, were relegation candidates last term but coach Edy Reja has guided the Rome club to joint-second to everyone's surprise thanks also to the cut-price purchase of superb ex-Sao Paulo midfielder Hernanes.                                           

"Calmness, the right balance, a united dressing room and a coach who has an incredible rapport with his team. Reja is the  key," Lazio owner Claudio Lotito told reporters.        

Napoli are level with Lazio after a series of  stoppage-time winning goals which have led media to coin the phrase "Mazzarri time" in homage to mulletted coach Walter Mazzarri.

The passion of the Naples fans, starved of scudetto success since the days of Diego Maradona in 1987 and 1990, could carry them far along with Edinson Cavani's goals but  defensive weaknesses might have to be addressed in January. 

Juventus lurk five points behind Milan and although still rebuilding after a 2006 match-fixing demotion, new coach Luigi  Del Neri's return to 4-4-2 and the good form of winger Milos Krasic and striker Fabio Quagliarella mean they pose a threat.

Last term's runners-up Roma and Palermo are outside bets  to fully join the title race but anything is possible in Italy, meaning no one is counting against Inter performing a stunning comeback in the second half of the season -- whoever is in charge.