Preview: Inter Milan vs. Napoli – prediction, team news, lineups

A clash between Calcio titans will bring together the reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan and league leaders Napleswhile the teams meet at San Siro on Sunday.

The visitors are one point ahead of their hosts after a shock home loss last week; Meanwhile, Inter have just recorded three wins in a row, including an impressive result in the Champions League.

Match example

© Image

Three days later Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal in Inter’s unconvincing 1-0 win over Venezia, Simone Inzaghi‘s side defeated Arsenal by the same margin in Milan, putting them within two points of first place the Champions League table.

On his first start since returning from injury, set-piece specialist Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time, giving the Nerazzurri the lead; Aided by the odd dash of fortune, Inter tenaciously defended that advantage and secured another success.

With four clean sheets halfway through the stage, they are proving to be a tough nut to crack in Europe’s top club competition and look set for a coveted place in the top eight – which would guarantee direct passage to the last sixteen.

Back at home, Napoli’s mistake leaves Inter just one point behind Sunday’s opponents the Serie A standings and still very much in contention to defend the Scudetto.

Inzaghi’s men have now won eight of their last nine games in all competitions, with the sole exception of an incredible eight-goal Derby d’Italia draw against Juventus.

Having scored 28 consecutive home games in Serie A – the third longest streak in Europe’s top five leagues – and losing just one of their last ten top-flight encounters with Napoli, Inter can confidently head into the final match before the start international break.

© Image

A week after the painful 3-0 defeat against Atalanta BC, Antonio Conte will face another former club of his, who will undoubtedly plan to leave Milan with maximum points.

His previously unstoppable Napoli team had strung together a run of ten league and cup games without losing before La Dea came to town, but Gian Piero Gasperini outsmarted Conte in terms of strategy at Stadio Maradona.

The Partenopei’s first setback since opening day was only the second time Conte had ever lost at home by a three-goal margin, so although Inter were occupied by European football, all thoughts were on an immediate return.

Another defeat would cost Napoli top spot in the table, casting some doubt on their ability to maintain the pace in what looks like an open title race this season.

However, Inter’s immediate predecessors as Serie A champions can still boast a fine recent record on the road: including victory over AC Milan at San Siro, they kept a clean sheet in four consecutive away games, gaining ten points from a possible twelve.

Inter Milan Serie A form:

Inter Milan form (all competitions):

Napoli Serie A form:

Team news

© Image

After surprising some with his team selection in midweek, Simone Inzaghi has plenty of room to rotate Inter’s squad again as only Carlos Augusto unavailable due to injury.

Veteran centre-back Francesco Acerbi recently returned to full training and was an unused substitute against Arsenal, so he may even start this weekend.

After his part-time position on Wednesday, Marcus Thuram must return to partner captain Lautaro Martinez. After scoring three goals in his first four league games against Napoli, the latter scored just one in the next eight, failing to find the net in any of the last five.

Meanwhile, Napoli’s front line will be led by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – the visitors top scorer this season – and ex-Inter duo Romelu Lukaku And Matteo Politano.

If Stanislav Lobotka has recovered from a thigh injury, Billy GilmourAntonio Conte’s position in midfield is somewhat under threat, despite Antonio Conte’s criticism turning into praise in recent weeks.

Once more, Mathias Olivera And Leonardo Spinazzola will compete for selection as a left back, with captain Giovanni di Lorenzo starting on the right.

Possible starting line-up of Inter Milan:
Summer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez

Possible starting line-up of Napoli:
Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka; Politano, McTominay, Kvaratskhelia; Lukaku

We say: Inter Milan 2-1 Napoli

A fascinating duel between two of Italy’s best tacticians should unfold at San Siro, where psychology can be as important as skill.

Inter are strong in both departments, while Napoli remain a work in progress – most of their wins have come against lower-ranked teams – and are heading for another defeat.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match, click here.

Previews by email