A thrilling contest could be on the cards as reigning champions Napoli host league leaders Inter Milan in a Serie A fixture on Sunday. The Neapolitans are attempting to snap out of an erratic patch and could find things difficult against Inter, who have been flying this season.
Napoli’s title defence has not gone according to plan as they have struggled to replicate last season’s impressive campaign. They have already been beaten three times this season and are currently fourth on the standings, eight points off the pace.
Things have been particularly difficult for Napoli in recent weeks as they have picked up just one win in their last four matches. That win came in Walter Mazzarri’s first Serie A game in charge as they triumphed 2-1 at Atalanta before suffering a 4-2 defeat at Real Madrid in a Champions League fixture on Wednesday.
A major problem for Napoli is that they have surprisingly found things difficult at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. They are winless in their last five home matches across all competitions, suffering three defeats in that run.
Inter Milan have also stumbled slightly in recent weeks and travel to Naples off the back of two straight draws. First they were held 1-1 by Juventus in their previous Serie A fixture and also fought back from three goals down to earn a 3-3 draw with Benfica in the Champions League.
Despite both results, Inter Milan have progressed to the Champions League round of 16 and remain the team to beat in Serie A. Simone Inzaghi’s men are two points clear at the top of the standings and eight ahead of Napoli.
Inter Milan have also done some of their best work on their travels and are unbeaten in their last seven Serie A away matches. They have claimed six wins in that but have failed to keep a clean sheet in the last two.
How the bookies view it
Inter Milan have the slight edge among the bookies and are priced at 6/4 by 888Sport to claim the win. A victory for Napoli is valued at 15/8 by Paddy Power while a draw is set at odds of 5/2 by bet365.
Head to head
Inter Milan have a 22-17 advantage with 13 draws from 52 previous matches against Napoli. Both teams won their home fixture last season with the Neapolitans claiming a 3-1 victory at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona back in May.
Players to watch
Victor Osimhen has made a couple of substitute appearances for Napoli in recent weeks as he continues his return from injury. The Nigerian striker could be handed a start on Sunday and with six Serie A goals this season, is priced at 6/4 by Paddy Power to find the net on Sunday.
It has been an impressive campaign so far for Lautaro Martinez, who has 13 Serie A goals this season. The striker could be worth keeping an eye on to score anytime on Sunday at 7/4 by bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
The last meeting between Napoli and Inter Milan produced over 3.5 goals, which is priced at 2/1 bet365. Over 2.5 goals could also be considered at 3/4 with Unibet while Betfred is offering odds of 8/13 on both teams to score.
Given Napoli’s recent struggles at home, Inter Milan could be tipped to score first on Sunday at 10/11 with BoyleSports.
This English Premier League match between Napoli and Inter Milan will be played on Dec 3, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Napoli vs Inter Milan prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
