Napoli vs Inter: A high-stakes encounter on the cards featuring two Scudetto contenders

Topics: TV Schedules, TV Listings, Napoli, Inter, Serie A

Fans and Serie A neutrals alike will certainly be looking forward to Saturday's big game featuring Scudetto contenders Napoli and Inter on Saturday, February 12th.

Preview: Napoli vs Inter

An intriguing clash is in store as Scudetto aspirants Napoli take on reigning title-holders Inter in a clash at the Stadio Maradona on Saturday evening. The Partenopei, who were once leading the way after a perfect start, hit a rough patch during which injuries began to pile up and they won just two of their ensuing nine matches. However, things have started to pick up for Luciano Spalletti's side - and just at the right moment. A lot of their injured players have now recovered, and they come into this tie having won their last four games on the trot.

Granted, Napoli's run-in to this upcoming tie has been a lot easier as of late, as they've taken on teams like Venezia, Salernitana, Bologna, and Sampdoria, two of whom presently sit in the relegation zone. Although they suffered a shock 5-2 loss to Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia, Napoli have also impressed lately on the defensive front, even while defensive stalwart Kalidou Koulibaly was leading Senegal to AFCON glory over the past month.

Notably, Napoli actually have the best defense in the league, with 16 goals conceded, three ahead of Inter's 19. In addition, the Partenopei do have a strong historical track record when it comes to playing the Nerazzurri at home, where they've lost just one of their last 15 Serie A games on home turf.

However, Inter, who come into this match having beaten Roma 2-0 in the Coppa Italia, certainly won't be pushovers. Although the Nerazzurri were on the wrong end of a 2-1 score-line in last weekend's Derby della Madonnina, Simone Inzaghi's side will be well aware of what's at stake. Their city rivals Milan will be taking on Sampdoria this weekend and will be watching this match closely, as there could end up being a major shake-up in the league standings depending on the outcome from both this match and the Milan-Samp clash.

Having won the Scudetto for the first time since 2010 last season, the Nerazzurri are still in pole position to successfully defend their crown, but their once slim lead has been cut down to just one point. This game is the latest in a pretty hectic period for Inter, who will next face Liverpool in an intriguing round of 16 fixture to resume their Champions League campaign. Having seen their 28 match home unbeaten streak in Serie A broken by Milan (once again) last weekend, Inter will look to nonetheless shake that off and get their Scudetto charge back underway when they arrive in Naples on Saturday evening.

Team news: Napoli vs Inter

Napoli: Star man Kalidou Koulibaly could end up missing this one, as he's only returned from international duty with Senegal, but certainly his coach will hope to have him involved in some capacity. Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen is anticipated to start up front while wearing a mask to protect his fractured cheekbone, while Axel Tuanzebe is likely out due to a back injury. However, Hirving Lozano and Adam Ounas will have to be evaluated and pass a late fitness test to see if they can make the bench.

Inter: Alessandro Bastoni will not be available due to a ban, while new signing Robin Gosens will have to wait longer to make his debut after signing from Atalanta due to a hamstring complaint. In addition, Joaquín Correa also remains on the treatment table with a hamstring issue of his own.

Match facts: Napoli vs Inter

Napoli are unbeaten in 14 of their last 15 home Serie A games against Inter
The Partenopei have the strongest defense in the league, with only 16 goals conceded so far
Inter have won just one of their last 10 away meetings with Napoli in Serie A...
...however that win was in their most recent clash, a 3-1 victory for the Nerazzurri in January 2020