Inter Milan vs Napoli Prediction

Serie A has buckled itself in for arguably the most important game of the league season so far, which see’s Antonio Conte league leaders Napoli travel to second placed Inter Milan, who trail the Naples outfit by just a point.

Napoli have made a superb recovery after a disappointing defense of their title last year, and despite losing their star striker in Victor Osimhen to some transfer fallout in the summer, have apparently found an ample replacement in Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku.

Inter themselves have been in equally impressive form, and have actually lost fewer games than their title rivals. However, unnecessary draws early in the season have cost them top spot. A win here would change that.

As the high-stakes game approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Key Statistics

• Napoli boast the second best defensive record in the competition, conceding eight goals in 11 games, behind Juventus’ seven conceded.
• Meanwhile, Inter have the second best attacking record, having bagged 25 goals so far, second only to free-scoring Atalanta’s 29.
• Napoli have kept five clean sheets in their last seven games.
• Inter striker Marcus Thuram is Inter’s top scorer this season, and sits second in the scoring rankings with seven.

Inter Milan Preview

Inter Milan Predicted Lineup (3-5-2): Yann Sommer (GK); Yann Aurel Bissek, Stefan De Vrij, Benjamin Pavard; Matteo Darmian, Piotr Zielinksi, Hakan Calhanoglu, Davide Frattesi, Denzel Dumfries; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram.

After two wins in their opening six games this season, Inter have thrived the longer the campaign has gone on. Simone Inzaghi’s side have been on a winning rampage recently, with their only slip-up coming in a game of the season contender, a 4-4 draw at home to Juventus.

Marcus Thuram leads their goal scoring charts, and Lautaro Martinez, who placed seventh place at the Ballon d’Or awards, is providing excellent support, scoring five himself and setting up a further two.

Wing backs Denzel Dumfries and Federico Di Marco have been a crucial cog in the way Inter play, so much so that Di Marco is ranked first in the competition for big chances created, sitting at 10 currently, although that figure will very likely rise this weekend.

Sitting two points clear of Atalanta in third, there is no cushion should Inter lose, so they will desperately desire a win here. However, as you’ll see, Napoli are top for a reason.

Napoli Preview

Napoli Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Alex Meret (GK); Leonardo Spinazzola, Alessandro Buongiorno, Amir Rrahmani, Giovanni Di Lorenzo; Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa; Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, Romelu Lukaku, Matteo Politano.

Napoli have been on a ruthless streak this season. After losing their first game of the season to Hellas Verona, they have bounced back magnificently, winning eight and drawing one of their next 10 league games.

However, they did hit a speed bump last time out, in the form of Atalanta, who comprehensively outplayed the home side and ran out as 3-0 winners.

But, having beaten AC Milan away from home the game previously, Napoli have fond memories of their last visit to Milan, and will employ the same high-pressing, high-tempo tactics in their return to the San Siro.

Inter Milan vs Napoli Betting Tip

This will be a game decided on the finest of margins, and looking at recent form and statistics, there is almost nothing to split the two sides.

However, Napoli have an ace up their sleeve in the shape of Antonio Conte. The Italian knows more than almost anyone about how to win the Serie A, having won it with Juventus three times, and winning it with this weekend's opponents in 2021.

A tactical mastermind, Conte’s side will outwit Inter, so we are backing Napoli to come away with a win here.

Inter Milan vs Napoli Final Prediction

Inter Milan 1-2 Napoli

Inter will get their customary goal, and will threaten throughout, but Napoli’s hard working midifield of McTominay, Gilmour and Anguissa will over-power them, wearing them down and splitting them open.