Napoli vs Inter: Battle for the top spot in Serie A, prediction 1-1
Napoli and Inter both have 15 points after 7 rounds, less than AC Milan (17 points/8 matches). Inter scored 18 goals and won 7 consecutive matches, Napoli just lost 2-6 to PSV. Inter handicap 1/4, prediction 1-1.
A temporary top spot and a boost to the Scudetto race will be decided by Diego Armando Maradona. Napoli and Inter enter round 8 of Serie A 2025/26 with 15 points from 7 games, but contrasting forms: the home team just collapsed 2-6 against PSV in the Champions League, while Inter have won 7 games in a row (4 in Serie A, 3 in the Champions League). With AC Milan on 17 points from 8 games, the winner will take the top spot; a draw will keep both sides in the chase.
Match perspective: pressure on Conte, test for Inter
Antonio Conte's Napoli needed to react immediately after a series of shaky matches: losing 0-1 to Torino and falling 2-6 to PSV despite McTominay's double. A loose defense and a lackluster attack have seen them lose 2/7 rounds. On the other hand, Cristian Chivu's Inter maintained their destructive pace, just beating Roma 1-0 and Union SG 4-0, demonstrating their high pressing ability and stable organization even without Marcus Thuram.
Napoli vs Inter tactical analysis
Napoli 4-1-4-1: waiting for revival from the midfield
With a 4-1-4-1 system, Napoli is expected to put their trust in Gilmour as the anchor in front of the back four Di Lorenzo – Beukema – Buongiorno – Spinazzola. The midfield line of Anguissa – De Bruyne – McTominay – Politano needs to provide both energy and creativity to feed the ball to striker Lucca. The key point is the ability to support the defense on the flanks when facing Inter’s speedy wing-backs.
Inter 3-5-2: pressing and midfield depth
Chivu maintained a 3-5-2 with Sommer behind the central defender trio Akanji – Acerbi – Bastoni. The two wings Dumfries – Dimarco were the main source of the ball, while Calhanoglu took the lead, surrounded by Barella and Mkhitaryan to create a numerical advantage in the middle. Up front, Lautaro Martinez played the role of a sharp finisher, Bonny was the emerging destination for direct attacks.
Hot spots
- Inter right wing: Dumfries vs Spinazzola – a test of Napoli's fitness and positional discipline.
- Midfield: Calhanoglu – Barella – Mkhitaryan vs Gilmour – Anguissa – De Bruyne; controlling the space in front of the box will determine the quality of chances.
- Dead ball: Inter has the advantage of organization, Napoli needs to limit free kicks/deep corners that can easily lead to situations that tear apart the structure.
Key statistics and ratios
| Index | Napoli | Inter |
|---|---|---|
| Score after 7 rounds | 15 | 15 |
| Difference | +5 | +10 |
| Recent matches | Lost to Torino 0-1; lost to PSV 2-6 | Won 7 matches in a row |
| Serie A goals | — | 18 |
Match odds: Inter handicap 1/4. Goal odds: 2 1/4.
Expected forces and lineup
- Napoli absent: Lukaku, Contini, Rrahmani, Lobotka, Meret, Hojlund (injured).
- Inter absent: Thuram, Di Gennaro, Darmian (injured).
Napoli (4-1-4-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Buongiorno, Spinazzola; Gilmour; Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Lucca.
Inter (3-5-2): Summer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Bonny, Lautaro Martinez.
Impact on the race and predictions
The winner will overtake AC Milan to take the top spot with 18 points; Napoli and Inter will draw at 16 points, continuing to chase. In the context of Napoli being under great pressure while Inter is stable and pressing effectively, the psychological advantage is on the visitors' side. However, home advantage and individual quality in midfield can help Napoli limit the risk.
Forecast: draw 1-1.
