Former Inter centre-back Fulvio Collovati has suggested that next weekend’s clash against Napoli is a must-win game in order to maintain hopes of retaining the Scudetto.

The Nerazzurri welcome the Serie A league leaders to the Stadio San Siro next Sunday trailing by seven points, and come into it after a 1-1 draw against AC Milan before the international break.

In an interview with FCInter1908.it, Collovati heaped the pressure on the match and warned that Inter could not afford to fall 10 points behind Luciano Spalletti’s side.

“Inter cannot afford another game of regrets like the one with Milan last week. These are not for half measures. To have a chance or retaining the Scudetto, Inter must win. If they fall to 10 points behind, the title no longer makes sense,” the 1982 World Cup winner claimed.

Collovati also offered his thoughts on why Simone Inzaghi’s side had not hit the form of predecessor Antonio Conte, and felt that the Nerazzurri lacked some attitude and defensive resilience.

“They miss the decisive blow, that nastiness that in Naples they call “cazzimma”. It is an inconsistent team and at times they pay for it, as also happened with Juventus and Atalanta.

“They play good football but must close out matches. Last year you could have played against them for two days without being able to score, but this year they are a bit more fragile in defence.”

Inter’s match against Napoli sees them come up against Partenopei captain Lorenzo Insigne, who has been linked with a switch to the Nerazzurri should he fail to sign a new contract this season. Collovati was unconvinced that he would leave his hometown club but felt he could be a good signing.

“In attack he does exactly what Ivan Perisic does. Maybe he has his back covered at Napoli, but going forward he does what the Croatian does at Inter, I don’t see any difference.

“Frankly, knowing the environment, I believe that an agreement for the renewal will be found. If this were not the case, Inter could do a great deal.”

Collovati turned his attention to the Italian national team and Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella, who struggled in last Friday’s match against Switzerland after an intense schedule this season.

“First of all, I did not expect such a tight game against Switzerland. The draw is objectively right as seen in the 90 minutes, but nothing changes. We have to win against Northern Ireland, there is little else. We are now facing a team that is certainly inferior and there are no excuses.

“I am already amazed by how Barella keeps going. A subdued game can happen, it is physiologically impossible to always remain at the highest levels. Not only physically, but also mentally.

“The player is a human being and often carries the burden of his personal life, which can sometimes affect his performance more than others for any reason,” he added.