Breaking Down Inter Milan's Biggest Remaining Games This Year

Inter Milan are in the midst of change with the final remnants of Jose Mourinho's treble-winning side being eased out and the ownership of the club changing hands.

Walter Mazzarri was a masterful appointment by the outgoing president Massimo Moratti, while Erick Thohir's arrival will give Interistas optimism that they can compete for the biggest names in the transfer market.

Mazzarri has ensured that the Nerazzurri have started brilliantly and they sit fourth in the league, just three points from Napoli, who sit in that coveted final Champions League place.

Since a thumping defeat to league leaders Roma, Inter have gone unbeaten in five matches, posing the question as to whether Mazzarri could do the unthinkable and guide them to a title tilt.

Here are the biggest remaining games of 2013 for Inter.

Trapani

Trapani will not pose a massive threat to Inter, at least on paper, but the fixture will be intriguing due to Mazzarri's selection.

If he selects a strong side, it might indicate that he is taking the Coppa Italia seriously and that he does not truly believe that a title push is within his grasp.

The Serie B outfit travel to the San Siro on 4 December and will look to temporarily forget their relegation battle in the second tier.

Having claimed the trophy with Napoli two seasons ago, Mazzarri certainly has a fondness for this competition.

Should Mazzarri use a widespread rotation and risk an early exit, it might be a sign that he truly believes top three is achievable and if Serie A is the only competition on the agenda, there is an outside shot at the title.

Parma

Parma will bring a tough test for Inter, as Mazzarri will have to force his side to be bolder moving forward.

The Crociati are set up superbly under Roberto Donadoni, already causing an upset by defeating Milan and almost holding Juventus as well.

If the Nerazzurri can break down a Gialloblu side that will undoubtedly come to the San Siro and initially sit deep, it will show that Inter can assume control, as well as be a threat in a reactionary sense.

Victory over Livorno last week was scrappy, with Inter failing to create many clear opportunities due to the visitors' stubborn style.

When Mauro Icardi and Diego Milito return to fitness, Mazzarri might release the hand break somewhat and play a second striker alongside Rodrigo Palacio.

Against Parma on 8 December, Inter will have the opportunity to record a significant victory over one of the league's toughest sides to face at home due to their organisation and resilience.

It is these types of games which will define whether Inter deserve to be in the Champions League next season.

Napoli

This will be a massive game as it will be an opportunity to drag Inter into contention for a top three place.

Napoli should be title contenders, but as it currently stands, the Partenopei are third, only three points ahead of the Nerazzurri.

If Inter can force their way into the top three before the Christmas break and kick on in 2014 with a young group that is improving all the time, alongside a significant foray into the transfer window, Inter will be confident of finishing in the top three.

Mazzarri will be particularly emotional as he encounters his former club, which could be to Inter's advantage as the Mister has in-depth knowledge about the vast majority of Rafael Benitez's squad.

The game precedes the Milan Derby, and with this massive encounter taking place at the Stadio San Paolo on 15 December, avoiding defeat will suffice for the Nerazzurri.

AC Milan

Milan is the biggest game of the season for Inter, and it is even more pivotal due to the demise of their neighbours currently.

With the way that Inter are currently going and the plight of the Rossoneri, it is safe to assume that Inter could end Milan's hopes of achieving third place with a victory in the final game before the Christmas break on 22 December.

The Derby della Madonnina is always a marvelous occasion, with beautiful tifos organised by the ultra sections of the clubs' fans to make for an inspiring atmosphere.

If the form of both teams continues, the current gap between the sides, which currently stands at 12 points, could become embarrassing. With two seasons now since a Milan victory, the track record of this current Inter side is excellent.

Victory in the derby would bond the relationship between the new manager and the fans even more, sending them into the winter break in a buoyant mood and possibly setting up a title push if Thohir can ensure significant investment in the January transfer window.