Two familiar faces return to the Meazza in the biggest game of this 12th round of the Italian Seria A, so we’ve prepared the absolute best Inter v Napoli prediction. There are a lot of subplots and intriguing factors surrounding this game.

The main twist is the return of former head coach Antonio Conte and Romelo Lukaku, who left Inter in a rather disappointing fashion with reports claiming that he misled the Nerrazzuri management by initially committing to stay and then not answering his phone and basically going MIA. You can be certain that Curva Nord will not hand big Rom a warm reception as they view him as an absolute traitor (which in fact he is), but Inter have moved on and done so quite successfully in fact.

The second plot is the fact that these are currently the two best teams in the league, at least according to the standings. Napoli is first with 25 points from 11 matches, but Inter can take over with a win as they are just a point behind.

Inzaghi The Great Mastermind

Let’s start by analyzing the hosts in our Inter v Napoli prediction for the big derby this Sunday, November 10, 2024.

Inter defeated Arsenal in the midweek Champions League round by a 1:0 scoreline, marking the fourth straight game where the Italian giants did not concede a goal in Europe’s prime club competition. The fact that it came against a top quality side like the Gunners highlights the fact that Inter have formed under Simone Inzaghi one the best defenses across the continent.

The main thing about this Inter team is that Inzaghi has given them an identity. Their identity is of a team that’s well organized and very difficult to play against. Believe me, no one likes to play against this Inter. Of course, there have been some lapses over the years since Inzaghi has taken over like the 4:4 draw against Juve, but that’s completely normal. In general, however, Swiss goalkeeper Zommer is able to keep a clean sheet in over 60% matches. This goes out to confirm that this Nerrazzuri team hangs their hat on defense, and it’s defense that wins you championships.

Another great aspect of Inzaghi’s work is his squad management. He rotates his players every game, and he is not afraid to use his bench in even the biggest matches. Look no further than Inter’s Champions League game against Arsenal for example. Inzaghi was brave enough to rest regular starters Barella, Bastoni, Di Marco, and Thuram. All four of them came on as late subs in the second half. Lautaro, who started the game, was subbed in the 70th minute. Of course, the idea was to have them fresh for the derby on Sunday.

An added advantage of those squad rotations is that it keeps all the players involved. There are no “bench players” that rarely get playing time. Everyone gets a chance to play and that keeps the team spirit high and the players in great condition.

Inter v Napoli – The Stats

Make no mistake, the black and blue are extremely dangerous in attack and have the ability to pour in the goals. Currently, they’ve been scoring Over 2.5 goals per game, having found the net a total of 25 times in their 11 matches in Seria A this season, second only to Atalanta with 29. For comparison, Napoli have some difficulties breaking down defenses with 18 goals total.

Fact is that Inter have not been as strong in defense so far this season having already conceded 13 goals in those 11 matches, and they have kept a clean sheet in just five games thus far.

Obviously, comparing those stats is essential in making an accurate Inter v Napoli prediction. In true Conte fashion, Napoli are well organized and are also difficult to break. As mentioned, they’ve conceded less than Inter this year – just 8 goals. What’s shocking is that three of those goals came in their last game – a stunning 0:3 loss at home against Atalanta. That defeat was definitely not something you would expect from a team that’s aiming to win the league.

The Partenopei have kept a clean sheet in eight of their 11 Seria A matches this season, which is a very impressive feat.

The last Inter v Napoli derby at the Meazza ended in a 1:1 draw as fomer Nerazzurri defender Juan Jesus levelled from a corner in the 81st minute. Napoli’s last win in the league at Inter’s stadium came back in 2017 with 0:1 scoreline.

Napoli With Drastic Improvement Under Conte

This year’s performances by Napoli mark a stern improvement. Last year, De Lorrentis had three coaches, but none of them brought any positive results. It was the worst title defense ever as Napoli was losing games left and right. Conte, however, has steered the ship in the right direction bringing back the necessary stability and results.

In not convinced they will be able to keep this pace for the entire season, because the squad does lack depth and has a bit of difficulties scoring, despite the trident of Kvara, Politano and Lukako. All three of them can be inconsistent, and they don’t have quality backups.

Still, Napoli are playing way better thus far, and unlike all the other title contenders, they don’t have any European fixtures, so that will help with the shorter bench.

Inter v Napoli Prediction

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