Napoli host Inter Milan at the Stadio Maradona for another crucial match Serie A title implications at stake. The Nerazzurri are fresh off an eventful Derby della Madonnina that saw Simone Inzaghi’s team losing after dominating the match for more than 70 minutes. Inter lost and both Napoli and AC Milan are now only one point behind in second place, even if the Serie A leaders have one game in hand. For the first time in more three months, Inter Milan could lose grasp of first place this weekend. The importance of the match therefore does not have to be explained, and at the Stadio Maradona we expect a game full of emotions.
Napoli, meanwhile, last time out defeated Venezia away from home in a match where Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen came back to score after more than three months. This is a pivotal boost to coach Luciano Spalletti’s squad, who from this weekend can count again on Kalidou Koulibaly, who’s back in Italy after winning the AFCON with Senegal last Sunday against Egypt.
Here’s what you need to know:
Viewing information
Date: Saturday, Feb. 12 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: Stadio Maradona — Naples, Italy
TV and live stream: Paramount+
Odds: Napoli +170; Draw +255; Inter Milan +150 (via Caesar’s Sportsbook)
Featured Game | Napoli vs. Inter Milan
Storylines
Napoli: Spalletti, who is an ex-Inter Milan coach, has plenty of reasons on his behalf to try to win this match, which could give Napoli the first place at least for one night, waiting for the result of Sunday’s AC Milan match against Sampdoria at San Siro. Koulibaly is back in the starting XI and will have to deal with Lautaro Martinez and Edin Dzeko who will lead Inter’s attack. With Hirving Lozano sidelined with a shoulder injury, former Inter striker Matteo Politano can be a key player for the match while Victor Osimhen will try to make it two goals in two games, something he hasn’t been able to do since the end of September in Serie A matches.
Inter Milan: After losing the Milan Derby last Saturday, Inter desperately need a positive result, considering also the nice victory they had at home Tuesday in the Coppa Italia clash against AS Roma. Alessandro Bastoni won’t be part of the match since he’s suspended and also coach Inzaghi won’t be on the sideline after his protests at the final whistle of the derby. Inter Milan need a reaction in order to keep Napoli at safe distance and also to prepare in the best way possible for Wednesday’s Champions League match against Liverpool on Paramount+.
Prediction
Inter need to win the game but Napoli are showing that they are a strong side and the return of Koulibaly will be the game-changer for them. Inter Milan will miss Alessandro Bastoni and this can also be a factor for the final result. PICK: Napoli 1, Inter Milan 1