The Nerazzurri make the dreaded trip to the south to face troubled Napoli at the San Paolo on Friday night at 20:45 CET.
Just four days following the emotional roller coaster of the Viola game, Stefano Pioli’s men pack their bags and head down for yet another difficult game against Napoli. This fixture, one that Inter have not won in the Serie A since October 1997, will be a test of Pioli’s tactical and man management nous.
Pioli must set the team up to not only play compact and counter quickly, but also to use the already restless San Paolo tifosi against their own team. Expect Ever Banega to sit on the bench come the starting whistle, with either Marcelo Brozovic or Joao Mario replacing him behind Mauro Icardi. Andrea Ranocchia will also probably return to the bench despite the positive performance last match, his ability (or lack thereof) against quick technical forwards like Insigne and Callejon is embarrassingly well documented.
Otherwise, in terms of starting 11, there should be little change from the side that started against Fiorentina.
Team News
Other than the still injured Gary Medel and Davide Santon, Pioli doesn’t have to contend with much else in terms of injuries or suspensions to the first team players. As news of an imminent Gabriel Barbosa loan out in January, it will be interesting to see whether, if the run of play favours it, he will be afforded his debut under Pioli here.
Probable Inter line-up (subject to change): (4-2-3-1) Handanovic; Ansaldi, Miranda, Murillo, D’Ambrosio; Kondogbia, Brozovic; Candreva, Joao Mario, Perisic, Icardi (C).
Stats
Last Season: Napoli 2 – 1 Inter
Last 10 Head to Head: in the last ten Serie A encounters Inter have only beaten the Partenopei twice, and neither of which were at the San Paolo.
Player to Watch
Joao Mario: The Portugese international midfielder was the subject of much criticism after his less than stellar performance against Fiorentina, however if he is to start against Napoli as is expected, he will be eager to prove any doubters wrong.
Officials
Referee: Rizzoli Assistants: Di Fiore, Dobosz Fourth Official: Paseri Additional Assistants: Tagliavento, Celi
Prediction & Authors Note
Prediction & scorers: Napoli 2-2 Inter with Icardi and Candreva getting the goals.
Author’s Note: Napoli are currently a wounded beast. Given the right approach both tactically and mentally this fragile mentality of Napoli’s can be used against them, however, any over-confidence or lack of tactical discipline by the Nerazzurri will be swiftly and severely punished by the skilful Neapolitan forwards.
Words: Mo Nassar – Follow him @MNassar
