On the eve of the showdown at the Maradona, the financial philosophies of Inter Milan and Napoli are back in the spotlight.

As highlighted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the clubs have taken opposite roads in building their squads, even while fighting for the same ambitions on the pitch.

Inter have tightened their wage bill, shifting resources toward transfer fees and long-term planning.

Oaktree’s line is clear: reduce heavy contracts, rejuvenate the squad, and maintain control over costs.

That approach has lowered the overall wage burden from €142.9 million to €137.3m, helped by the departures of high-earners such as Pavard, Correa, Taremi, Arnautovic and Zalewski.

At the same time, the club has invested in younger profiles including Luis Henrique, Bonny, Sucic, Akanji, Diouf and the returning Esposito.

Napoli Spend Big As Partenopei Prepare For Inter Milan Battle

Kevin De Bruyne Napoli
CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 03: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli looks dejected during the pre-season friendly match between Napoli and Stade Brestois 29 at Stadio Teofilo Patini on August 03, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

Napoli, by contrast, chose to expand their payroll while continuing to spend aggressively in the market.

The arrival of De Bruyne, along with Højlund, Lang, Beukema, Lucca, Milinković-Savic, Marianucci, Elmas and Gutiérrez pushed the wage bill from €92m to €133m, an increase of €41m.

Over the last two summers, the club has spent around €150m and €164m respectively, with the Osimhen sale to Galatasaray (€75m) softening the deficit.

Inter’s transfer spend jumped from €22m last year to €87.5m this season, but the four-year balance still remains more controlled than Napoli’s swings.

In 2022-23 Napoli closed at –€46m versus Inter’s +€15m; last year +€12m to Inter’s –€20m; and this year –€32.5m against Inter’s –€10m.

The most recent market has brought the clubs closer: –€34.5m vs –€32.2m