With Napoli dropping points against relegation-threatened teams, Inter Milan get a huge opportunity to neutralise one of the title contenders and create a significant gap at the summit.
The Nerazzurri extended their Serie A win streak to six in a row when they met Parma midweek, and are now three and four points ahead of AC Milan and Napoli, who both conceded draws.
As their defence has improved immensely, Inter now have nine clean sheets in 18 rounds, but their last clean sheet against Napoli was in January 2024.
But even if they concede, Cristian Chivu's players are unlikely to worry, as their attack this season is significantly superior to all other teams in the league. Inter have scored 40 goals in 18 Serie A fixtures, which is 11 more than the next best attack in the league.
Napoli played their worst first half of the season against Verona and were two down at the break. Their capabilities were only enough to save them from losing in the second half, with the match ending 2-2.
The Parthenopeans had won four in a row across all competitions, including their triumph at Supercoppa Italiana, but Antonio Conte will need better tactics, as Napoli lost four of their 10 Serie A away games this season, including against AC Milan at this stadium.
How the bookies view it: Are they underestimating the champions?
We were sure that bookmakers would have more faith in Inter Milan, but we did not expect such a huge advantage in a match between two of the three main contenders for the title.
The difference is so shocking that it seems to us that the bookies have almost underestimated the champions. You can currently back Inter at 7/10, the draw at 5/2, or Napoli at 17/4.
Recent head-to-head: Napoli got a rare win in the reverse fixture
While Napoli have been the more successful side in Serie A in the last few seasons, Inter Milan have mostly dominated this rivalry, losing only three of the last 15 H2Hs. In numbers, the Nerazzurri won six, Napoli won three, and six matches ended level.
However, we should note that the Parthenopeans claimed the three points earlier this season in October, so Conte’s side has every right to feel extra confident. It was an outright 3-1 win, and it is part of a four-match unbeaten streak against Inter.
Players to watch: Martinez has punished Napoli in the past
A club legend of the modern era, Lautaro Martinez has now scored 10+ Serie A goals for Inter in seven consecutive seasons. And he is back to his best shape since 2024, as he scored in five consecutive Serie A rounds before the most recent Parma game.
It’s been a while since he scored against Napoli, but the Argentinian can boast five goals and one assist against the Parthenopeans.
Probable line-ups
Inter Milan: Sommer, Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni, Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco, Martinez, Thuram
Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic, Jesus, Rrahmani, Di Lorenzo, Politano, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola, Lang, Elmas, Hojlund
Anything else catch the eye?
Other than the recent disasterclass against Verona, Napoli have been exceptional in recent weeks, winning four matches in a row without conceding a goal.
Not conceding against Inter, however, sounds like an impossible task, and we expect the Nerazzurri to show the full extent of their title ambitions and potentially win the points.
The last four H2Hs all featured goals from both sides, so BTTS is also a valid option. But we have to mention that Napoli failed to score in three out of their four Serie A defeats this season.
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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