Overview
Inter Milan just won an important victory over Arsenal with a minimal score in the Champions League, thereby extending their unbeaten streak to 9 (8 wins).
The Giuseppe Meazza team has only stumbled once this season, in the derby against AC Milan. Before round 12 of Serie A, Inter ranked second and was only 1 point behind the leader Napoli.
Inter's attack is not exactly outstanding, but they always know how to shine when the team needs them. Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal in the two minimal wins against Roma and Venezia. Meanwhile, Marcus Thuram shined against Young Boys, while Calhanoglu returned from injury not long ago to make his mark in the win against Arsenal.
Another important factor that helps Inter Milan fly high is the solidity of their defense. Ignoring the 4-4 draw with Juventus, Inter have kept a clean sheet in 5/6 recent matches (all 5 wins).
Meanwhile, despite leading Serie A, Napoli still have reason to worry ahead of their match against Inter. After 12 unbeaten matches since the beginning of the season, coach Antonio Conte's team finally lost the match.
Napoli lost their composure in the home match against Atalanta and conceded 3 goals. Inter will likely learn from Atalanta's approach against Napoli by constantly pressing and counter-attacking quickly.
Napoli have an unimpressive record against Inter. They have won just once in their last 11 matches and lost six. Against a high-flying Nerazzurri, Napoli will have to be careful if they don't want to lose their top spot.
Human resources situation
Inter Milan have been boosted by the return of key players Francesco Acerbi and Hakan Calhanoglou. Calhanoglou could be in contention to start after scoring in the Champions League, while Acerbi is likely to be benched.
Napoli will be without midfielders Stanislav Lobotka and Michael Folorunsho, both of whom are out injured. Lukaku will once again lead the attack, supported by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano.
Expected lineup:
Inter Milan: Sommer, Bisseck, De Vrij, Pavard, Dumfries, Calhanoglou, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Thuram, Martinez.
Napoli: Meret, Olivera, Buongiorno, Rrahmani, Di Lorenzo, Gilmour, McTominay, Anguissa, Politano, Kvaratskhelia, Lukaku.
The match between Inter Milan and Napoli takes place at 2:45 a.m. on November 11 (Vietnam time).
