Defenders were the stars despite the attacking talent show between Inter Milan and Napoli yesterday evening.
This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Some of Serie A’s top attacking talents were on show at the San Siro yesterday evening.
Inter strike pair Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram for Inter.
And whilst Napoli’s talisman Victor Osimhen was not able to start, the Partenopei could still boast the formidable likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Giacomo Raspadori, and Matteo Politano.
But no forwards or wingers were able to score or assist a goal on the night.
A lot of that was down to rock-solid defenders from both backlines.
Chances were few and far between for Martinez and Thuram as Napoli defenders Amir Rrahmani and Juan Jesus marshalled their penalty area well.
And it was the same story at the other end, as the only really good chance that the Partenopei fashioned was the one they scored from – which was the result of Inter switching off on a corner.
Defenders Shine But Forwards Fail To Fire In Inter Vs Napoli Draw
And the defenders didn’t just do their main jobs well – they also popped up with goals.
Inter wingback Matteo Darmian showed that he is more than just a reliable and versatile defensive presence on the right flank in the first half.
The 34-year-old former Manchester United man scored Inter’s opening goal.
And it was not a Napoli striker to respond to Darmian’s goal in the second half.
Rather, it was defender Juan Jesus who took advantage of a free header in the box.
Neither side were able to get the best out of their star players in attack.
But the players at the back were able to get forward and provide the threat that was otherwise lacking.
