Former Nerazzurri coach Andrea Stramaccioni expects that the Serie A match between Inter and Napoli next week will come down to the midfield battle.

Speaking to Naples-based newspaper Il Mattino, via FCInterNews, the coach emphasized the importance of central areas to determining which of the two teams comes out on top in a match that could have major title implications.

Inter will face one of their most important tests of the season in the form of league leaders Napoli, whilst the Partenopei will have their title credentials tested more firmly than at just about any other point this season away to the Nerazzurri.

Inter’s midfield trio of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and one of Henrikh Mkhitaryan or Marcelo Brozovic will be expected to start, and will certainly have their hands full.

Meanwhile, the Partenopei will likely start with Piotr Zielinski, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, and Stanislav Lobotoka in the centre of the park.

Both trios are among the best in Serie A, if not all of Europe, and should have quite a midfield battle, not least given the direction of coaches Simone Inzaghi and Luciano Spalletti.

Stramaccioni predicted that “It will come down to the midfield battle.”

“If Napoli manage to play at the tempo that Lobotka likes to dictate, that is with intensity and aggression, then it will be very tough for Inter.”

“If, on the contrary, Inter manage to impose themselves in midfield, Napoli’s defensive line could drop back,” he continued.

“And at the San Siro, Napoli have to keep the ball as far away from their own penalty area as possible.”

Stramaccioni believes that “For Napoli, it will be an important test of their mentality.”

“I’m curious to see how they react when the first setback arrives,” he added. “Managing those moments is essential for winning the Scudetto.”