Despite a seven-point gap to Serie A leaders Inter with just nine games remaining in the season, Juventus wing-back Cristian Molinaro claims the Bianconeri have not given up hope of celebrating their 28th Scudetto come the end of the season.

“When you enter Juve’s locker room, there is no need for words, you can feel it [expectation] in the air,” Molinaro told Tuttosport.

“Our team are accustomed to comebacks and victories and we are eager to get back up there. Roma went close last season but that came undone because of Inter’s ability.

“We are giving it a shot and I hope we will go into our direct confrontation with a smaller gap and that we manage to defeat them.”

Juve will welcome Jose Mourinho’s men to the Stadio Olimpico on April 18 in what could turn out to be a title decider.

“In our first match in Milan, we were not very sharp,” admitted the 25-year-old. “We will be more determined this time around and get off to a flying start.

“I don’t think that Inter are dependent on [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic. He is a great champion, but they have several players who can be decisive.”

Inter edged Juve 1-0 back in November courtesy of a Sulley Muntari strike.

Vince Masiello, Goal.com