Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Serie A match.
Both sides sit inside the top three of Serie A, but they arrive at this clash in contrasting form. Inter are flying with seven straight victories across all competitions, while Napoli have stumbled in recent weeks, including a heavy Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven.
Napoli
Antonio Conte’s men began the season among the title favourites but now find themselves third with 15 points, one behind the leaders. Since the international break, they have suffered two damaging defeats — a 0:1 loss to Torino due to a toothless attack and a 2:6 collapse against PSV Eindhoven in Europe, where they conceded six goals from 2.89 xGA. Defensive issues have become apparent, with seven goals conceded in their last five league fixtures and no clean sheets during that spell. Injuries have also hit hard: Rasmus Højlund (four goals in six matches) and Romelu Lukaku are both sidelined, leaving Scott McTominay to shoulder the attacking responsibility. The Scot scored twice in Eindhoven, but Napoli clearly lack cutting edge up front.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan are in peak form, having won seven matches in a row, including a 1:0 league win over Roma and a 4:0 triumph against Union Berlin in the Champions League. Inter sit second with 15 points and boast the most productive attack in Serie A with 18 goals, six more than Napoli. Even without Marcus Thuram, the front line remains sharp thanks to Ange-Yoan Bonny, who has been decisive in recent victories. Defensively, Inter Milan allow 1.14 goals per match, and crucially, they have not lost any of their post-European fixtures this season, winning six of seven. Away from home, they have taken two wins from three league trips, although they have lost four of their last ten on the road overall.
Napoli vs Inter Milan Prediction
Inter Milan look stronger both in form and attacking cohesion, while Napoli are struggling to recover rhythm after their recent setbacks. Antonio Conte’s pragmatic style might help contain the visitors, but the Milan side’s quality should eventually make the difference in a tight contest.
