Serie A confirm Napoli vs. Inter Scudetto play-off venue and date

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: General view outside the stadium prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 23, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli confirms the venue for the possible Scudetto play-off between Inter and Napoli, suggesting the rules could change in future with a Champions caveat.

Before the season began, it was decided that there would be a play-off if two teams finished level on points for the title or for relegation to Serie B.

Going into the final round, we could well see both, as they remain incredibly tight, with just one point separating Napoli and Inter for the Scudetto.

Both will play their last games on Friday evening, as Inter visit Como and Napoli welcome Cagliari.

Serie A play-off staged at San Siro

There were suggestions that the venue for the play-off would be the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, as it is neutral territory and slap bang in the middle of the country between Milan and Naples.

“As of today, the play-off would be played in Milan,” insisted Lega Serie A President Simonelli this evening.

“The rules are that the game will be hosted by the team with the best goal difference. Rome is only an option if there is a decree from the local authorities banning Napoli fans from travelling to Milan over security concerns, but at this moment, we do not have that in place.

“If on Friday night there is a result where both teams are level at the top of the table, then I would say the play-off would be played on Monday May 26 at San Siro in Milan.”

There is only one remaining scenario where the Serie A title would be assigned with a play-off, as Inter would need to draw with Como, while Napoli simultaneously lose at home to Cagliari.

Inter’s Champions commitments cause problems

There was some debate over the timing for the final Serie A matches, because Inter needed it brought forward to give them time to prepare for the Champions Final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 31.

While other leagues separate sides based on goal difference, Italian football remains focused on play-offs or head-to-head primato.

“The play-off is the maximum example of sporting fairness,” insisted Simonelli.

“Assigning the title after 38 rounds where the teams sacrificed so much, decided all on goal difference, really isn’t the best way. When we decided to introduce the play-off for the Scudetto, it was a wonderful decision, both sporting and for the media.”

However, the Inter issue with the Champions Final does raise some questions over what could happen next year.

“I would introduce a different rule where if one of those teams is also qualified for the Champions Final, then we go back to the old system, deciding it with a head-to-head primato or goal difference. That would safeguard the fairness of the tournament, without penalising those who are challenging for European silverware.

“It is a pity that this year the idea clashes with the super intense fixture list of a side like Inter, who are preparing to play the Champions Final in Munich.”