In what could easily be one of the biggest Serie A games of the season, Napoli welcome Inter Milan to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday. It is a match that proves to be very exciting as the last two teams on the table last season will slug it out amongst themselves.
Both teams are expected to be in the mix for the title race this season, and while it is still very early after just seven games in, this clash already feels like it carries real weight.
Napoli, the reigning champions, are eager to remind everyone who’s boss, but Inter arrive flying, leading the table and riding a seven-game winning streak across all competitions.
Napoli vs Inter Preview
Napoli’s title defence has been steady, though not spotless. They’re sitting second in the table with five wins from seven, but the cracks are starting to show a bit, especially in their last two games.
That heavy 6–2 Champions League loss to PSV was ugly, raising questions about focus and defensive organisation. Still, they’ve been solid at home, unbeaten in 14 matches at the Maradona, even if seven of those wins came by just a single goal. Conte’s men always feed off the crowd, but those away defeats to Torino and Milan say they still wobble under pressure, and that can be an advantage that Inter can exploit.
Inter, meanwhile, just look unstoppable right now. They are second in the league, just one point behind AC Milan and level on points with Napoli and AS Roma on 15 points from seven games.
They have won their last seven competitive games, and they’re keeping it clean too; they have kept 4 clean sheets in their last five games. Their 4–0 midweek thrashing of Royale Union SG in the Champions League showed how well-drilled they are.
Cristian Chivu’s side just oozes balance; they are crisp in midfield, ruthless up top, and tough as nails at the back, a typical Inter Milano side.
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Napoli vs Inter Head-to-Head
This fixture has seen plenty of fireworks over the years. In the last ten Serie A meetings, Inter have won four games while Napoli boasts of just one victory, and six ended in a draw, with five of the draws ending in a 1-1 scoreline.
These two hardly play out dull games; both teams have scored in seven of their last nine league meetings, but when the clash is between these two teams, it becomes a cagey affair.
Napoli vs Inter Team News
Napoli face a crisis in midfield and attack. Romelu Lukaku is still out with a hamstring injury, while his replacement, Rasmus Hojlund, has also picked up a knock of his own and might not be available for the game, while Stanislav Lobotka is sidelined with an adductor issue.
Another player that is a doubt for the game is Amir Rrahmani, a situation that leaves the backline weakened. However, Lorenzo Lucca is expected to lead the line, with Kevin De Bruyne tasked with orchestrating play from midfield
Inter, meanwhile, are nearly at full strength. Marcus Thuram is a doubt with a thigh issue, but Lautaro Martínez is fit and firing on all cylinders, having scored in four of his last five games, scoring five goals in that run.
Matteo Darmian is out, but Dumfries and Dimarco are expected to cover the flanks. While the defensive trio of Acerbi, Akanji, and Bastoni remains one of Europe’s best and will guide another world-class talent in their goalie, Yan Sommer.
Napoli vs Inter Probable Lineups
Napoli (4-3-3): Sommer (GK); Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Çalhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Bonny, Martinez
Inter (4-1-4-1): Milinkovic-Savic (GK); Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Jesus, Spinazzola; Gilmour; Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Lucca
Napoli vs Inter Prediction and Betting Tips
This feels like one of those high-tempo Italian games where both teams get chances. Inter’s head-to-head form in their last ten games gives them the edge, but Napoli at home won’t go down easy; however, their mentality after that heavy loss will play a part in how the game ends for those betting.
Expect goals, intensity, and a few nervy moments at both ends, but if history and recent clashes are anything to go by, then we are in for another annoying 1-1 draw.
Prediction: Napoli 1–2 Inter Milan
