Inter Milan vs Napoli | Sunday 17 March | Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro) | 21:45
For fans of Italian football, this clash between Inter Milan and Napoli is indeed one not to be missed. It promises high-intensity action, tactical masterstrokes, and perhaps some unexpected twists and turns as these two footballing giants lock horns in what is sure to be a memorable encounter.
These two clubs have met 38 times in the past and have delivered everytime! Inter Milan have won 14 times, Napoli have won 13 times and 11 fixtures between the two have ended in a draw.
To win (90 min)
Inter Milan 6/10
Draw 3/1
Napoli 4/1
Inter Milan
Inter Milan travelled to Bologna in their previous match in Serie A and walked away with maximum points on the day, despite Bologna dominating most parts of the game. Milan rotated their squad significantly, making six changes from the team that earned a 2-1 victory over Genoa prior. A mark of a champion is finding a way to win no matter the situation and Milan have been doing so week in week out.
Milan, currently unbeaten in 2024 with 10 consecutive victories and show no signs of slowing down. The Nerazzurri have scored a staggering 28 goals, conceded 5 and have kept five clean sheets across the last 10 fixtures in the league. Simone Inzaghi has instilled a winning mentality and a ruthlessnes that has been the trademark of Milan this season and comes as no surprise to his team running away with the league and front runners to lift this season’s Scudetto.
Home form has been superb for Milan this campaign and have the best record in the league to show it, with 12 wins, a single draw and a loss in 14 games. Milan have made the San Siro a fortress and at the rate they going, I cant see any team putting a stop to this incredible form. With this being said, Milan have scored in each of their 14 home matches and remain undefeated in their last 22 matches in the league. A majority of Inter Milan’s wins have been obtained with a margin of 2 goals or more (16 wins) while 8 of their wins had a one goal margin which speaks volumes of their attacking prowess and admirable defensive qualities.
The 47-year-old Simone Inzaghi, will have a strong squad to choose from going into this fixture and will demand the same level of performance from his men with the exception of Marko Arnautovic, Stefano Sensi, Carlos Augusto and Juan Cuadrado who are still sidelined due to injury.
Napoli
Napoli welcomed Torino to the city of Naples in their previous outing in the league and shared the points after the match ended in a 1-1 stalemate. The first half saw limited action from either side, but it was none other than Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who got the all important goal for the Gli Azzurri after a fine finish from a Rui cross. However, Napoli failed to clear their lines and Torino took advantage of the situation and found an equaliser not long after Napoli took the lead.
The defending champions who made history lifting the Scudetto last season after 30 years look a distant memory to this team that have found themselves struggling for consitency and results. However, the Partenopei have had a resurgence in the league since Francesco Calzona took charge and are starting to shake off the shackles and perform how we know they can. Napoli are undefeated in the past five games, with two wins and three draws.
Surprisingly, Napoli have been a better outfit away from home and have the fourth best record in the league, with 22 points from 14 games (W6 D4 L4). Francesco Calzona, is the third coach to take charge of Napoli this season, has come in and stablilised proceedings, now the Gli Azzuri are starting to find their confidence and look a far more prepeared team. Success does not happen over night and will take time before he puts his mark on the team, but so far, so good.
Nigerian starlet Victor Osimhen and Georgian sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have been the standout performers for the Partenopei. The duo’s contributions to the team have been exceptional considering the poor defence of their 2023 Scudetto title. They have a combined total of 21 goals and seven assists, with Osimhen on 11 goals – 3 assists and Kvaratskhelia on 10 goals – 4 assists. Matteo Politano is another player who has added value to the team with 6 goals – 5 assists and im sure Calzona will turn to his key players in hopes of putting a stop to Milan’s dominance and earn a much needed three points on the day.
Prediction: Inter Milan
Inter Milan are the far better team at this point and with the form they find themselves in, I see Milan claiming the victory. Napoli do pose a serious threat, but ar far from the team they were last season. It will take some performance in stopping Milan from taking maximum points at home.
Written by Marc Strydom