Home Latest Articles Inter vs Napoli: Match Preview – Lineups, Stats, and Predictions

Inter vs Napoli: Match Preview – Lineups, Stats, and Predictions

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Barella Barcelona
Barella Barcelona

Serie A returns after a prolonged break due to the Fifa world cup and winter break. The second half of the season begins now, as Inter takes on Napoli for a midweek clash. The heavy hitters of Serie A will meet at the San Siro on Wednesday.

Napoli is the league leader and is pursuing their first Serie A title in over 30 years. The Azzurri are 8 points clear in the table heading into the break and are on an impressive winning streak.

Inter, on the other hand, has had an up-and-down season thus far. They are 11 points behind the league leaders. Inter is struggling to maintain positive momentum as injuries keep plaguing their quest for the summit. During the winter break, Inter managed to put together above-average performances in their friendly matches.

The contest between Napoli and Inter will be the highlight of this week’s Serie A matchups. Former Inter boss, who is currently managing Napoli, Luciano Spalletti has praised his former employers for making tremendous changes in recent years which ultimately gave Inter the scudetto under Antonio Conte. 

We're all Luciano Spalletti, his Fiat Panda and his pet duck in the Serie A race

Aside from on-field struggles, Inter is also battling hard to revive and renew their top defender, Milan Skriniar’s contract situation. The defender has been made an offer but it hasn’t been accepted. Inter’s president gave a vote of confidence to the Nerazzurri faithful that Skriniar will remain at the club. At this time, the promise is seemingly looking shaky.

Skriniar - Zhang

Inter vs Napoli:  Statistics and Encounters

Inter Serie A form: L W
Napoli Serie A form: W W W  W W
Inter has defeated Napoli 68 times in Serie A. Only Juventus has more defeats against Napoli with 70.
The last 4 meetings at the San Siro between Inter and Napoli have gone in Inter’s favor.

Inter vs. Napoli: Suspensions, Injuries, and Team News

Nerazzurri will welcome their World Cup-winning hero, Lautaro Martinez back into the line-up. He is expected to pair up with Romelu Lukaku up front.
Midfield will be without Marcelo Brozovic as he continues to recover from a calf strain that he sustained during the world cup. Inter will look at Mkhitariyan, Barella, and Calhanoglu to make a trio in the midfield.

Napoli will field a fully fit squad for the clash. The key players for Napoli will be Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen.

Probable Lineups

Inter starting lineup: Onana; Skriniar, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro, Lukaku

Napoli starting lineup: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Kim, Jesus, Rui; Anguissa, Lobotka, Zielinski; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia

Prediction

This clash will surely be a spectacle to watch. The teams are back and will look to maintain a positive charge for the Serie A summit. Both teams have a lot to play for therefore, this match could produce a big scoreline.

Inter: 3

Napoli: 3