Serie A PREVIEW | Inter vs Napoli

Two of Italy’s heavyweights will meet on Wednesday as the runaway league leaders Napoli will travel to face Inter in what is the headline billing in game week 16.

This fixture will conclude the opening day of the Serie A return following a nearly two month absence thanks to the World Cup.

Table toppers Napoli, were in terrific form before the break as Luciano Spalletti’s men had raced to an impressive 13 wins in their opening 15 games, a run which leaves them currently eight points clear of Milan in the table who are second.

Inter currently sit in fifth, after a lacklustre opening to the season, however a win against Napoli will bring the Nerazzurri, into the fight for 2nd and just eight points from Napoli.

Napoli are unbeaten in the league to date, much due to their staggering attacking numbers, scoring 37 goals in just 15 games, boss Spalletti will be hoping that the extended winter break hasn’t hampered his sides momentum too much.

Inter meanwhile will be quietly confident of handing the Partenopei their first loss, winning six of their seven home games this season. If that isn’t enough to inspire hope, they are victorious in their last four home meetings in the league to Napoli.

Team News

Former Inter president Moratti believes Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen are the two danger men ahead of this fixture, and both will be raring to go after not playing in the World Cup. Elsewhere Spalletti won’t have to worry about injuries ahead of this fixture and therefore he can field his best XI.

Inter likewise don’t have many injury woes, possibly the only absence being the Argentine Lautaro Martinez who may not yet be ready to start, however with Lukaku in the fold Simone Inzaghi is spoilt for choice.

Predicted Lineups

Inter (3-5-2): Onana; Bastoni, de Vrij, Skriniar; Dimarco, Calhanoglu, Barella, Gagliardini, Dumfries; Lukaku, Dzeko.

Napoli (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Min-jae, Jesus, Rui; Zambo Anguissa, Lobotka, Zielinski; Politano, Kvaratskhelia, Osimhen. 

Jonathan Maze | GIFN

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