Overview
The February 2025 period witnessed Napoli's disastrous form. They have drawn 3 of their last 4 matches, the rest was a 1-2 defeat to Como. With only 3 points out of 12 maximum points at this stage, Napoli has lost the top spot in Serie A to Inter Milan. And the two teams will face each other in this round of 27.
Therefore, Napoli's mandatory goal when hosting Inter will be 3 points to regain the advantage in the race for the Scudetto. A defeat will increase the gap between the two teams to 4 points, not to mention the threat of Atalanta in 3rd place with only 2 points behind Napoli in the rankings.
Defeating Inter is an extremely difficult task for Napoli. Remember, they have only won 1 of their last 11 matches against Inter. Even the home stadium Stadio Diego Armando Maradona is not a mainstay for Napoli, as Inter have only lost once in their last 5 matches here.
In addition, Inter are also in better form than Napoli, despite still having to endure disappointing results such as 2 losses to Fiorentina and Juventus. With Napoli going through a series of poor matches after a gloomy winter transfer window, Inter are capable of winning all 3 points. They need to firmly consolidate their leading position in the Serie A rankings this year.
Lautaro Martinez has 10 goals in Serie A this season and will be the spearhead of Inter Milan's attack. Meanwhile, Napoli will rely on Romelu Lukaku to create momentum in attack.
Personnel situation
Napoli will not have the services of David Neres and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, both of whom are out due to injury. Giacomo Raspadori will continue to start in good form, while Amir Rrahmani will appear in defense.
On the other side of the front line, Inter Milan have a long injury list with Marcus Thuram, Carlos Augusto, Matteo Darmian and goalkeeper Yann Sommer all sidelined. Joseph Martinez will start in goal, while Marko Arnautovic will partner Martinez in attack.
Expected lineup:
Napoli: Meret, Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Politano, Billing, lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola, Raspadori, Lukaku.
Inter Milan: Martinez, Bastoni, De Vrij, Pavard, Dimarco, Calhanoglou, Barella, Mkhitaryan, dumfries, Arnautovic, Martinez.
The match between Napoli and Inter Milan takes place at 0:00 am on January 2 (Vietnam time).
