The rivalry between Inter Milan and Napoli has gone far beyond the pitch in recent seasons, and Sky Sport Insider has revealed how the clubs have repeatedly clashed on the transfer market.

Gianluca Di Marzio outlines a series of behind-the-scenes duels that added fuel to an already heated Scudetto battle.

The first flashpoint was Ange-Yoan Bonny. Now a breakout star in Nerazzurri colours, he was also on Napoli’s shortlist alongside Darwin Nuñez and Lorenzo Lucca.

Bundesliga interest complicated matters, but Inter directors Piero Ausilio and Giovanni Manna moved fast: multiple calls, personal meetings, and then a decisive push once Cristian Chivu arrived in Milan.

Napoli, focused on Lucca, were overtaken in the final sprint.

Napoli Vs Inter Milan – Tug Of War Over Pio, Frattesi and Hojlund

Rasmus Hojlund Napoli
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between SSC Napoli and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The next clash centred on Pio Esposito, with Aurelio De Laurentiis reportedly ready to explore a €40 million move.

Inter’s response was immediate and uncompromising: “He’s not leaving.” Performances on the big stage only strengthened that stance.

There was also tension over Davide Frattesi, a player Napoli pushed for on several occasions. Inter set a €45 million valuation and refused to negotiate below that line.

Meanwhile Napoli ultimately stepped back once Anguissa’s renewal was resolved.

Not every duel went Inter’s way. Rasmus Hojlund, a name Inter considered in case Esposito’s future changed, ended up in Naples after Lukaku’s injury.

Meanwhile, Andy Diouf, once monitored by Napoli, joined Inter thanks to Ausilio’s swift work.

With stadium noise off the pitch and market sparks behind the scenes, the Napoli-Inter rivalry continues to fire on all fronts.