AC Milan pay a visit to second-placed AS Roma on Saturday night needing a win to keep their Champions League qualification hopes on track.
The six-time European champions have their sights set on overtaking Palermo, who are four points ahead of them in fourth place, to snatch Italy's last CL berth.
They should be more fired up than their hosts, who have little more than pride to play for this weekend.
Roma look certain to finish second and qualify directly for the group stage of next year's Champions League, as they have 58 points, nine more than cross-town rivals Lazio in third.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, are too far in front at the top of the table (18 points) to leave Roma any real hope of taking the title.
Saturday's clash still presents a formidable test for Milan though.
Led by Serie A's top scorer Francesco Totti, Roma have been playing skilful, seamless soccer all season.
And the lack of pressure may invite them to play even more adventurously.
"It will be a very tough match against Roma, but finishing fourth is the important thing for us and we absolutely have to win this game," Brazil striker Ricardo Oliveira told the club's satellite TV channel.
"We know it won't be easy, but we can do it. There is respect for Roma, which is right, but we must play to win always".
In recent months Milan have recovered from a disastrous start to the season - including a 1-2 home defeat to Roma - when they languished in the bottom half of the table.
They have also had to cope with a series of injury problems, which have kept out key players like defenders Alessandro Nesta and Serginho. Both will be available Saturday.
Ronaldo's arrival from Real Madrid in January has made a big contribution to the revival.
"I have rediscovered my smile at Milan and fitness-wise I'm improving," said the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year.
"But I want to do a lot more to reach the best shape possible".
The clash sees Italy's two remaining contenders for this year's Champions League face off.
Both coaches are likely to rotate their squads to rest players involved in international action this week, in view of the upcoming CL quarter-final first legs.
Milan entertain Bayern Munich on Tuesday, while Roma welcome Manchester United to the capital on Wednesday.
Ronaldo, however, is cup-tied and is almost certain to start against Roma as a result.
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti - who played eight seasons for Roma in the 1980s - is unable to field suspended defender Daniele Bonera. Captain Paolo Maldini is also doubtful because of a knee injury.
Leaders Inter have what looks to be an easy task in store on Sunday when they play host to second-from-bottom Parma.
Lazio are looking to extend a run of six consecutive wins at Udinese (9th) on Sunday evening.
Palermo are aiming to end a seven-match winless streak at Torino (12th) on Sunday afternoon.
There are four more Serie A matches on Sunday afternoon: Atalanta (10th) - Fiorentina (7th), Cagliari (16th) - Messina (18th), Chievo Verona (14th) - Sampdoria (8th) and Livorno (13th) - Catania (11th).
On Saturday evening Reggina (17th) take on Siena (15th) at home.
