Serie A schedule and preview, Week 18: Two huge games at the top

Round 18 of Serie A is upon us and it brings a few interesting games -- including two huge ones between the teams that occupy places from one to four on the table. With the January transfer window open and some big signings having already happened, the weekend in Italy will no doubt be even more exciting. On Sunday, we suggest you make lots of popcorn and enjoy a whole day of Serie A:

Inter Milan vs. Genoa

True, neither of these two sides are known for spectacular football, or are in an amazing form lately, but the game should be interesting nevertheless. If nothing else, it's worth watching for the new-found enthusiasm among Inter fans, who came in numbers to Milan airport to greet their new signings, Lucas Podolski and Xherdan Shaqiri. Even though Roberto Mancini still hasn't been able to turn Inter into the side he'd want, better days are ahead for the Milan giant. Third place is far away, but with the string of good results it could be reachable. Beating one of the direct opponents would certainly help the cause. Il grifone are now without a win for three games, but they are still a decent side who won't give up on Europa League place. And they have Alessandro Matri who's ... pretty? Oh, and he started scoring goals again.

AS Roma vs. Lazio

No matter what the table says, a derby is always a derby. And now that Roma is in second position and Lazio third, it almost cannot be more important. Both teams come into it after a good run of results -- the giallorossi are unbeaten in their last seven games, while Lazio haven't lost any of their last five. The biancocelesti are arguably in better form; most of Roma's recent wins were labored 1-0 victories, while Lazio score much more and they have one Felipe Anderson -- the young Brazilian had a goal or an assist in each of the last five games in all competitions. He alone is worth watching a game for.

Napoli vs. Juventus

Napoli haven't managed to get close to winning the scudetto in recent years (and it'll likely be the case this season too) but their games against Juve are some of the most interesting in Italy at the moment. True, their recent battles have been not-so-important Coppa and Supercoppa clashes -- they played in the latter as recently as three weeks ago, and Napoli were victorious after penalties in one of the best games of the season. However, perhaps that win, though after penalties, could kickstart Napoli's bid for scudetto, as unlikely as it may seem at present. With a win over Juve in this match, the azzurri would get within seven points of the Old Lady, and in their last six games in all competitions, Juve has won only once. Game on.

Sassuolo vs. Udinese - 12 p.m.

Torino vs. AC Milan - 2:45 p.m.

Atalanta vs. Chievo Verona - 9 a.m.

Cagliari vs. Cesena - 9 a.m.

Fiorentina vs. Palermo - 9 a.m.

Sampdoria vs. Empoli - 9 a.m.

Verona vs. Parma - 9 a.m.