Former Inter defender Marco Tardelli has said that the match between Inter and Napoli on Saturday will have a profound effect on the rest of the championship, according to a report in the Italian print media.
Speaking during an interview with La Stampa, Marco Tardelli explained the importance of the game that kicks off at 18:00 local time at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
“It’s a game that could have a profound effect on the championship.”
He also discussed the fact that Napoli will be welcoming Kalidou Koulibaly and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa back to the squad after their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations over the past few weeks, which is a major boost to their title hopes.
“After the Africa Cup of Nations, the Azzurri find both Koulibaly and Anguissa, very important in their roles.
“Spalletti was very good at managing this period, the absence of these two players could prove to be really heavy, but he succeeded in the difficult task of empowering the whole group with the effect that the players doubled their energy and their enthusiasm.
“It is a team that recognises itself in its coach. A group that finally believes in itself and the next game could be a good opportunity.”
Inter will go into the match on Saturday evening without Alessandro Bastoni who has a slight ankle injury but would also be suspended for the match anyway.
Napoli will be without Hirving Lozano who suffered a shoulder injury whilst playing for Mexico during the international break.
