In a match billed as an early title decider, Napoli defeated Inter Milan 3–1 in Naples to reclaim top spot in Serie A. Goals from Kevin De Bruyne (33’ pen), Scott McTominay (54’), and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa (66’) sealed the win for Antonio Conte’s men, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu (59’ pen) briefly gave Inter hope. The victory ends Inter’s unbeaten run and sends a clear message in the race for the Scudetto.
Teams: Lineups and Absent Players
Napoli lined up in a 4-1-4-1 under Antonio Conte, with Vanja Milinković-Savić in goal, protected by Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Juan Jesus, and Spinazzola. Billy Gilmour anchored midfield behind Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne, and McTominay, with David Neres operating as a false nine.
Conte had to cope without Romelu Lukaku, Rasmus Højlund, Amir Rrahmani, and Stanislav Lobotka, all sidelined through injury.
Inter, coached by Cristian Chivu, stuck to their 3-5-2 system: Yann Sommer in goal, a back three of Acerbi, Bastoni, and Akanji, wing-backs Dumfries and Dimarco, and a midfield trio of Barella, Çalhanoğlu, and Mkhitaryan. Up front, Lautaro Martínez partnered Ange-Yoan Bonny.
The visitors were missing Marcus Thuram and Matteo Darmian, but otherwise fielded a strong XI.
Match Recap: Penalties, Power, and Precision
The clash lived up to its billing as an early-season title showdown. Inter started brightly, pressing high and forcing Napoli into early errors. Lautaro Martínez had the first clear chance in the 15th minute, his header from Barella’s cross brilliantly saved by Vanja Milinković-Savić. Moments later, Çalhanoğlu fired narrowly wide from distance, signaling Inter’s intent.
Napoli weathered the storm and struck first. In the 29th minute, Giovanni Di Lorenzo surged into the box and was impeded by Henrikh Mkhitaryan, earning a penalty after VAR review. Kevin De Bruyne converted with trademark composure, sending Sommer the wrong way for 1–0. The goal shifted momentum, and Napoli finished the half stronger despite losing De Bruyne to a knock before the break.
After halftime, Napoli doubled their lead in the 54th minute. A flowing move down the left ended with Leonardo Spinazzola squaring for Scott McTominay, who smashed home from close range. Inter responded quickly: in the 59th minute, Lautaro’s header struck Alessandro Buongiorno’s outstretched arm, and after another VAR check, Çalhanoğlu buried the penalty to make it 2–1.
The Nerazzurri pushed for an equalizer, introducing fresh legs in midfield and attack, but Napoli struck again in the 66th minute. David Neres slipped a clever pass to Frank Anguissa, who powered a low shot past Sommer for 3–1. Inter dominated possession (56.5%) and registered 11 shots, but Napoli’s defensive resilience and clinical finishing proved decisive.
Late efforts from substitutes Luis Henrique and Francesco Pio Esposito sailed wide, sealing a statement win for Conte’s men.
De Bruyne’s Influence
At 34, Kevin De Bruyne remains Napoli’s heartbeat. His vision and composure under pressure were evident in the penalty and his orchestration of midfield play. Conte’s gamble to sign him last summer looks increasingly inspired.
However, it will make the injury picked up by the Belgian maestro all the more worrying for Conte, even though his team managed to stay on top of things in this match. The image of De Bruyne walking with the help of crutches to rejoin his teammates on the bench after the halftime break was rather ominous.
McTominay’s Redemption
After a rough outing in Europe, Scott McTominay responded brilliantly. His goal showcased timing and aggression, and his box-to-box energy disrupted Inter’s rhythm. He’s becoming indispensable in Conte’s system.
Inter’s Fragile Midfield
Inter’s midfield trio struggled against Napoli’s press. Injuries to Mkhitaryan and reliance on Çalhanoğlu for creativity left gaps that Napoli exploited. Chivu may need tactical tweaks before facing Fiorentina midweek.
Conte’s Tactical Masterclass
Despite an injury crisis, Conte’s compact 4-1-4-1 nullified Inter’s wing-backs and forced turnovers in key areas. His ability to adapt under pressure reinforces Napoli’s credentials as title favorites.
Conclusion: Napoli Back on Top, Inter Regroup
Napoli’s win lifts them to 18 points, reclaiming first place ahead of Inter and AC Milan. Inter remain on 15 points, now trailing by three after their unbeaten streak ended.
Upcoming Fixtures:
Napoli: Travel to face Lecce before hosting Como, and then they will clash with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
Inter Milan: Host Fiorentina next, then visit Hellas Verona, followed by a Champions League tie against Kairat Almaty.
The Scudetto race is heating up, and with both sides juggling European commitments, squad depth and tactical flexibility will define the coming weeks.
