Serie A preview: Inter vs Napoli, key stats, line-up, odds, prediction

Inter 2-0 Ludogorets Eriksen, Lukaku put Inter in driver's seat

Inter will host Napoli in the midweek’s crunch clash as both the sides push for the Scudetto race.

Stadium: San Siro

Key statistics

Inter can win five games in a row for the first time in Serie A since December 2019 if they manage to beat Napoli.

Antonio Conte has won the first two games against Napoli as Inter boss and a win this weekend could make it three in a row for the Italian manager.

The Partenopei haven’t scored in their last three away games against Inter. 

Inter Milan

Inter Milan picked up a morale-boosting win last weekend against Cagliari – and that too a comeback victory – to get over their Champions League elimination.

However, the Nerazzurri are determined to have a crack at the Scudetto following their impressive run this season, currently second behind arch-rivals Milan in Serie A table.

Inter have now gone four games without a defeat in Serie A but the midweek clash against Napoli would be a real test for both the sides.

Romelu Lukaku has maintained his perfect run in Serie A this term as the Belgian racked up 9 goals so far including the stoppage time strike against Cagliari last week.

Nicolo Barella would likely secure his position in the midfield following his brilliant display last week however, Conte has to decide between Christian Eriksen and Arturo Vidal for another central midfield spot. Lukaku and Martinez are the expected striker duo while Matteo Darmian is likely to take the place of injured Achraf Hakimi.

Possible line-up

Samir Handanovic; Milan Skriniar, Stefan De Vrij, Bastoni; Matteo Darmian, Roberto Gagliardini, Marcelo Brozovic, Nico Barella, Ashlet Young; Romelu Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez

Napoli

Napoli, who are a just place behind Inter in the table, have been relentless in the last three games, thrashing the likes of Roma and Crotone.

In the last fixture against Sampdoria, the Partenopei completed a come-back, with Petagna and Lozano chipping in with goals in the second half.

Gennaro Gattuso is well aware of his side’s poor streak against Nerazzurri and would look to put an end to it when they lock horns in the midweek Serie A fixture.

Possible line-up

David Ospina; Di Lorenzo, Kostas Manolas,Kalidou Koulibaly, Mario Rui; Bakayoko, Fabian Ruiz; Hirving Lozano, Peter Zielinski, Lorenzo Insigne; Dries Mertens

Odds:

Inter Milan : Draw : Napoli :: 2.20 : 3.60 : 3.10

Prediction

Inter 2–1 Napoli