Internazionale – Napoli: Inter Make Strong Scudetto Statement (3-2)
Early success applying pressure and threatening in transition suggested Napoli would continue their undefeated run. However, the away side began to be overwhelmed by the width on display from Inter. And being clinical in punishing Inter’s midfield turnovers, Napoli’s attack was relatively muted for much of this clash as Inter eventually secured the tight victory.
Tactical analysis and match report by Julian Chingoma.
The Serie A schedule coughed another weekend of intriguing contests, none more so than the top-of-the-table clash here. The ever-impressive Napoli, tied for the league lead with AC Milan, would put their unbeaten record to test as they paid a visit to third-placed Internazionale. Inter sat seven points behind their visitors and were firmly positioned in the Champions League qualification conversation. But, as reigning champions, they had their sights on closing the gap to Napoli in a statement win.
Inter were set up in their usual 3-5-2 formation by Simone Inzaghi. With Samir Handanović handling goalkeeping duties, they had a back three of Milan Škriniar, Andrea Ranocchia and Alessandro Bastoni. The duo of Matteo Darmian and Ivan Perišić were the wing-backs who had the trio of Nicolò Barella, Marcelo Brozović and Hakan Çalhanoğlu between them. Inter then had Joaquín Correa and Lauturo Martínez as the strikers.
Luciano Spalletti had Napoli line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation which had David Ospina manning the goal. The back four were Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Kalidou Koulibaly and Mário Rui while André-Frank Anguissa and Fabián Ruiz were the double pivot. Two central midfielders next to each other. Piotr Zieliński was . . .
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