Inter Milan welcome league leaders Napoli to San Siro on Sunday in a crucial Serie A encounter.
This Sunday, Serie A champions Inter Milan take on current league leaders Napoli in the iconic San Siro. With one point between them, this could be a pivotal match that reconfigures the top of the Serie A standings. Coming off the back of its recent winning streak, Inter is hoping to claw its way back to the top, while Napoli will be looking to bounce back from a surprise loss to Atalanta last weekend.
Preview: Defensive Solidity of Inter Milan Against Napoli’s Counter-Attack
Inter Milan are in very good form, having won eight out of the last nine games across all competitions, which includes a 1-0 Champions League win over Arsenal. Hakan Calhanoglu scored a pivotal penalty upon his return from injury to seal the deal. With four clean sheets already this Champions League season, defensive solidity has been a real strong suit for Inter Milan. Now back in Serie A, the aim of Inter would be to pip Napoli, given that they have scored in each of their last 28 league home games.
Under the tutelage of former Inter boss Antonio Conte, Napoli suffered a rare defeat, 3-0 at the hands of Atalanta-a result which marked their second home loss by such a margin under Conte. Coming into that game, Napoli had been unbeaten in ten games in a season of incredible form. Another defeat might just make them cede the top and begin to raise questions on whether they can keep up in a stern title race.
Team News: Tactics and Lineup – Key Players to Watch
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi is going to make some changes in the lineup after a grueling midweek game. The veteran Francesco Acerbi might start in the lineup, while Marcus Thuram will start alongside Lautaro Martinez. Martinez has been one of the most promising players against Napoli and once again tries to improve his recent scoring record against the Partenopei.
Napoli will also have star forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, along with former Inter players Romelu Lukaku and Matteo Politano. With Stanislav Lobotka back from injury, he could replace Billy Gilmour in midfield. Then there could be a scrap between Mathias Olivera and Leonardo Spinazzola for the left-back spot. In that regard, Giovanni Di Lorenzo should be a given on the right side of the defense.
Predicted Lineups
Inter Milan Starting XI:
Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
Napoli Starting XI:
Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka; Politano, McTominay, Kvaratskhelia; Lukaku
Prediction: Inter Milan 2-1 Napoli
