Crunch Clash For Napoli, Inter In Scudetto Race

This clash could prove to be a key one in the battle for the Scudetto, with the Neapolitans hoping to knock the Nerazzurri off their stride, while on the other hand a win for the defending champions would go a long way to securing a second successive crown.

Napoli star Hirving Lozano has already fired off a psychological shot ahead of the clash: “We’re playing for the Scudetto, not hide-and-seek. The season is still long. But we are strong and we must look as high as possible, even if Inter and Milan are going fast,” said the Mexican winger. “We can hold our own against Inter, in fact, we’re stronger. Player by player, man for man, the value is higher here.”

Inter manager Simone Inzaghi is urging his team to focus on the game at hand and not think about the wider consequences of any result in Naples. “We have a very, very important match against a solid, well-prepared opponent, so we need maximum concentration. We have to take it one game at a time,” said the highly-regarded tactician.

Key players

Victor Osimhen – The Nigerian striker has been a revelation for Napoli despite repeated injury and health issues. He will look to further underline his cult hero status in Naples with a key showing against the reigning Serie A champions.

Hakan Calhonoglu – The Turkish playmaker put in a fine display when Interfaced Napoli earlier in the season, and his scheming in midfield will be key to the Nerazzurri’s hopes of completing a league ‘double’ over their title rivals.

Head-to-head stats

In head-to-head stats, Napoli and Inter have met in 47 matches across all competitions dating back as far as 1993. The Nerazzurri have claimed 20 wins compared to 16 for the Neapolitans, while 11 games have been drawn.

When the teams met earlier this season, at the San Siro in November 2021, Inter claimed a thrilling 3-2 home win thanks to goals from Hakan Calhonoglu, Ivan Perisic, and Lautaro Martinez. Napoli’s Piotr Zielinski and Dries Mertens opened and closed the scoring respectively.

Battles to watch

Luciano Spalletti v Simone Inzaghi – While Spalletti is a firebrand, Inzaghi is more composed and considered. The managers’ contrasting temperament will also be reflected in their team’s on-field playing style.

Hirving Lozano v Alessandro Bastoni – Bastoni will have the tricky job of drifting out to the left of defense and looking to close down the space for dangerous Mexican attacker Hirving Lozano, who has been in fine form of late.

Kalidou Koulibaly v Edin Dzeko – The Senegalese center-back has returned from his AFCON campaign and will be faced with a tough challenge in trying to quell the threat of an equally powerful player in Dzeko.

No rival can compete with SuperSport’s coverage. Our viewers on DStv and GOtv enjoy an unrivaled selection of football from around the world!

Don’t miss the New Football Season on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Visit www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com to subscribe or upgrade, and join in on the excitement. And while you’re on the move, you can stream matches on the DStv App.

Match broadcast details

All times CAT

Saturday 12 February

19:00: Napoli v Internazionale – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Maximo 2 and SuperSport GOtv Select 1