Serie A: ⁠Inter Milan vs Napoli: Predicted Lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :March 15, 2024 at 4:56 PM

Modified at :March 15, 2024 at 4:56 PM

Matchday 29 of Serie A is set to be underway

As Inter Milan edge closer to clinching the Serie A title, the battle for Champions League qualification intensifies, particularly for Napoli as they face the league leaders on Sunday. Inter holds a commanding 16-point lead over second-placed AC Milan with only 10 rounds remaining while reigning champions Napoli currently sit seventh, trailing fourth-placed Bologna by seven points in a tightly contested race for a coveted spot among Europe’s elite next season.

Inter showcases the most formidable defence in Serie A, having conceded just 13 goals this season. Meanwhile, Napoli have encountered difficulties in replicating their championship-winning performance from the previous season. With both teams eliminated from the Champions League this week, they can now shift their focus entirely to their Serie A campaigns. As such, this upcoming clash between Inter and Napoli promises to be an exhilarating encounter.

Kick-Off:

Sunday, 17th Mar 2024, 07:45 PM (GMT), 03:45 PM (EST)

Monday, 18th Mar 2024, 01:15 AM (IST)

Form

Inter Milan Form (All Competitions): L-W-W-W-W

Napoli Form (All Competitions): L-D-W-W-D

Players to Watch

Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan)

Describing Dimarco as a modern-day attacking full-back would be apt, given his penchant for relentless running up and down the field throughout the game. His ability to cover ground effectively, contributing defensively and offensively, is a defining aspect of his play.

Dimarco belongs to a category of full-backs renowned for their intelligence in assessing attacking opportunities, whether it involves distributing the ball or positioning themselves to receive a pass. Combining physical prowess with tactical acumen, he displays exceptional awareness, knowing precisely when and where to make runs to optimize his chances of delivering crosses or taking shots.

Stanislav Lobotka (Napoli)

Despite his small stature, Lobotka possesses a significant influence on games, primarily through his adept ball management skills. Frequently dropping deep to receive passes from the defence or goalkeeper, he exhibits remarkable comfort and composure in possession.

Lobotka excels as a defensive shield in front of the backline, operating primarily in the deeper midfield areas to control possession and orchestrate clean progression of the ball forward.

Match Facts

Inter Milan have won 7 home matches in a row.
Last season’s matches: 1-0 (Inter Milano at home) and 3-1 (SSC Napoli at home).
Lautaro Martinez is Inter Milano’s top scorer with 23 goals. Victor Osimhen has scored 11 times for SSC Napoli.

Injury and Team News

Inzaghi’s team continues to face injury concerns, with Arnautovic sidelined due to a hamstring injury, causing him to miss the Atletico match. Juan Cuadrado remains unavailable for an extended period due to an Achilles injury, while Stefano Sensi is still recovering from an ankle injury. The participation of Carlos Augusto against Napoli is uncertain as he deals with a calf tweak suffered during the victory over Bologna, which kept him out of the Atletico fixture.

Piotr Zielinski may make a comeback to Serie A action, considering he was omitted from Napoli’s Champions League squad. Napoli will be missing Cajuste due to a thigh injury, while Ngonge, a recent winter signing, remains uncertain for the match as he recovers from an injury.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 40

Inter Milan: 15

Napoli: 14

Draws: 11

Predicted Lineup for ⁠Inter Milan vs Napoli

Inter Milan Predicted Lineup (3-5-2):

Sommer(GK); Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez

Napoli Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Meret(GK); Di Lorenzo, Rrahmarni, Jesus, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Traore; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia

Match Prediction for Inter vs Napoli

Both teams enter this game following losses in the UEFA Champions League, but Inter holds the edge domestically this season. While Napoli have shown signs of improvement under Carlzona’s leadership, Inter’s recent performances and firepower suggest they have the upper hand against the reigning Italian champions, despite Napoli’s victory over Juventus. Inter will win this fixture and will get all three points.

Prediction: Inter 2-0 Napoli

Telecast for Inter vs Napoli

India – JioCinema, VIACOM18

UK – TNT Sports

US – Paramount+, CBS

Nigeria – NTA, SportsTV, SUPERSPORT, TOP SPORTS TV

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