Napoli 1-1 Inter verdict: Conte impresses, Inzaghi still favourite, big match issue

The Italian press were impressed by an improved Napoli side in their 1-1 draw against league leaders Inter on Saturday evening, but most outlets claim that the Nerazzurri are still the favourites for the Serie A title, even if Simone Inzaghi still has an issue in ‘big matches’ this season. 

The ‘Scudetto clash’ ended level at 1-1 at the Stadio Maradona on Saturday evening after a first-half free-kick stunner from Federico Dimarco, which was followed by an 87th minute equaliser from AFC Bournemouth loanee Philip Billing. 

The Serie A title race remains exactly as it was at the beginning of the fine settimana. Three teams sit within three points of each other at the top: Inter in first with 58 points, Napoli in second on 57 and Atalanta in third on 55. 

Napoli 1-1 Inter verdict: Conte ‘better’ 

Most outlets in Italy agree that Napoli were vastly improved compared to some of their recent performances. The Partenopei did not win in Serie A in the month of February, but Saturday’s draw against Inter has been viewed as a positive performance. 

Corriere dello Sport argues that Conte’s side was the better of the two teams on the night, particularly in the second half, having racked up 19 shots on goal by full-time. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport analyst Stefano Agresti also agreed that Conte was the better of the two coaches on Saturday, but insists that Inzaghi remains the favourite to win the league title by the end of the 2024-25 season. 

The Pink Paper, meanwhile, feels that Inzaghi’s primato in big matches continues to be an issue this season. The Nerazzurri have not won in any of their matches against Napoli, Juventus or Milan this season, having drawn 1-1 twice against the Partenopei, a 4-4 draw and a 1-0 loss to the Bianconeri, plus a 2-1 defeat and 1-1 draw with the Rossoneri. 

It has been 10 years since Inter have failed to beat any of Napoli, Juve or Milan across a Serie A season.