In a match billed as a title decider, Napoli defeated Inter Milan 3-1 in Naples to regain first place in Serie A. Goals from Kevin De Bruyne (33rd pen), Scott McTominay (54th) and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa (66th) sealed the victory for Antonio Conte’s men, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu (59′ pen) briefly gave Inter hope. The victory ends Inter’s unbeaten streak 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 the midfield behind Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne and McTominay, with David Neres operating as a false nine.
Conte had to make do 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, full-backs Dumfries and Dimarco, and a midfield trio of Barella, Çalhanoğlu and Mkhitaryan. Up front, Lautaro Martínez was paired with Ange-Yoan Bonny.
The visitors missed Marcus Thuram and Matteo Darmian, but otherwise fielded a strong eleven.
Match summary: penalties, power and precision
The clash lived up to what was billed as a title showdown earlier in the season. Inter started brightly, pressing high and forcing Napoli into early mistakes. Lautaro Martínez had the first clear chance in the 15th minute, his header from a Barella cross brilliantly saved by Vanja Milinković-Savić. Moments later, Çalhanoğlu shot narrowly wide, signaling Inter’s intention.
Napoli weathered the storm and struck first. In the 29th minute, Giovanni Di Lorenzo burst into the box and was blocked by Henrikh Mkhitaryan, leading to a penalty following a VAR review. Kevin De Bruyne converted with his trademark composure, sending Sommer the wrong way for 1-0. The goal changed momentum and Napoli finished the half stronger despite losing De Bruyne to a knock before the break.
After the break, Napoli doubled their lead in the 54th minute. A fluid move down the left ended with Leonardo Spinazzola facing Scott McTominay, who fired in from close range. Inter responded quickly: in the 59th minute, Lautaro’s header hit Alessandro Buongiorno’s outstretched arm and, after another VAR check, Çalhanoğlu scored the penalty to make it 2-1.
The Nerazzurri looked for an equalizer, introducing fresh legs into midfield and attack, but Napoli scored again in the 66th minute. David Neres slipped a smart pass to Frank Anguissa, who fired low past Sommer to make it 3-1. Inter dominated possession (56.5%) and registered 11 shots, but Napoli’s defensive resistance and clinical finishing proved decisive.
The last efforts of substitutes Luis Henrique and Francesco Pio Esposito went wide, sealing a spectacular victory for Conte’s men.
The influence of De Bruyne
At 34 years old, Kevin De Bruyne remains the heartbeat of Napoli. His vision and composure under pressure were evident on the penalty kill and his orchestration of play in midfield. Conte’s gamble to sign him last summer seems increasingly inspired.
However, this will make the injury suffered by the Belgian maestro even more worrying for Conte, even though his team managed to stay on top in this match. The image of De Bruyne walking with the help of crutches to join his teammates on the bench after the break was quite sinister.
McTominay’s Redemption
After a difficult outing in Europe, Scott McTominay responded brilliantly. His goal showed timing and aggression, and his area-to-area energy disrupted Inter’s rhythm. He is becoming indispensable in Conte’s system.
Inter’s fragile midfield
Inter’s midfield trio struggled against Napoli’s pressing. Mkhitaryan’s injuries and reliance on Çalhanoğlu’s creativity left gaps that Napoli exploited. Chivu may need tactical adjustments before facing Fiorentina in midweek.
Conte Tactical Masterclass
Despite an injury crisis, Conte’s compact 4-1-4-1 nullified Inter’s full-backs and forced turnovers in key areas. His ability to adapt under pressure reinforces Napoli’s credentials as title favorites.
Conclusion: Napoli return to the top, Inter regroup
Napoli’s victory takes them to 18 points, reclaiming first place ahead of Inter and AC Milan. Inter remain on 15 points and are now three points behind after ending their unbeaten streak.
Upcoming matches:
Napoli: Travel to face Lecce before hosting Como, then face 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 race for the Scudetto is heating up and, with both teams juggling European commitments, team depth and tactical flexibility will define the coming weeks.
