Internazionale – Napoli: Another Interruption To Inter’s March (1-1)

European exits at the Round of 16 Champions League stage have left these two outfits with little on the line for the next two months. How well will they compete without the same seriousness of stakes to seek? This contest conveyed how both must freshen up for the final rally after the international break. Intent was present, but sluggishness in the legs and mind spoiled efforts.
Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

A ticking time bomb has been winding down on Napoli's time at the top. Last month, Francesco Calzona took charge of the mess of two managerial reigns in the wake of the departure of Luciano Spalletti. He only sunk to his first loss in Catalonia, where Barcelona booked their spot in the next phase of the Champions League. Still unbeaten after his first five Serie A outings, could his players continue to climb up the standings and avenge their 3-0 humbling on home ground in December?

Meanwhile, Inter had suffered a stinging blow that did not accord with their aspirations. A defeat to Atlético Madrid was their first in all tournaments since their 2-1 loss to Bologna in the Round of 16 of the Coppa Italia at the end of 2023. Ten triumphs and 28 . . .