Match Preview: Napoli vs. Inter

MILAN – It’s the first match of 2020 for the Nerazzurri, who are ready to take to the pitch to play their 18th league fixture of the season against Napoli at the San Paolo on Monday at 20:45 CET. So far, Inter have picked up 42 points from 17 matches compared to the Partenopei’s 24. 

NAPOLI VS. INTER: STATS AND TRIVIA

Fourth match on 6 January

This will be the fourth time in the history of Italian football that Inter has played Napoli on 6 January, with the Nerazzurri winning all three previous fixtures. The most recent victory dates back to 6 January 2011, when Leonardo secured a 3-1 win on his debut thanks to goals from Thiago Motta (2) and Cambiasso. Click here to read more about this historic win. 

The first coaching clash between Conte and Gattuso

This is the first-ever meeting between Conte and Gattuso as coaches in Serie A, while as players, they both secured two wins apiece, as well as two draws in a total of six matches against each other. 

Keeping an eye on set-pieces 

Both Inter and Napoli are particular threats when it comes to headers, with the former scoring seven so far in Serie A, with only Cagliari matching them. Meanwhile, just behind the Nerazzurri and Rossoblu in terms of headed goals scored is Napoli, who’ve so far bagged six. 

(Click here for all the stats and trivia ahead of Napoli v Inter)

COMMENTS FROM ANTONIO CONTE

«We’ve gained credibility gradually, but now we must achieve consistency and stability. Step by step we must keep raising the bar and looking further forward. We’ll keep working in the same manner that we’ve done so far.».

(Click here to watch Antonio Conte’s press conference)

CURRENT FORM 

Inter’s last five matches

Inter 4-0 Genoa Fiorentina 1-1 Inter Inter 1-2 Barcelona Inter 0-0 Roma Inter 2-1 SpalNapoli’s last five matches

Sassuolo 1-2 Napoli Napoli 1-2 Parma Napoli 4-0 Genk Udinese 1-1 Napoli Napoli 1-2 Bologna

SUSPENSIONS

Neither Inter or Napoli will have any players missing through suspension for this fixture, while the Nerazzurri will welcome back Brozovic and Lautaro Martinez who were both suspended for the team’s last match of 2019. The list of those walking the suspension tightrope includes: Barella, Bastoni, D'Ambrosio (injured), Skriniar; Elmas, Mario Rui.

REFEREE

Daniele Doveri has been confirmed as the referee for Napoli vs. Inter, who’ll be assisted by both Passeri and Del Giovane. Meanwhile Fabbri will act as fourth official, while Calvarese and Giallatini will operate VAR.