Napoli’s Serie A title hopes face a tough test this Saturday as they host Inter Milan, struggling with their worst form of the season. After conceding top spot to Inter, Napoli has failed to win in February, picking up only three points and showing a troubling habit of dropping points from winning positions. Their 2-1 loss at Como last weekend marked their fourth consecutive match without a victory.
Napoli manager Antonio Conte expressed frustration after the Como defeat, describing his team’s performance as “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.” He lamented his team’s inability to cope with pressure, emphasizing that losing tactically was acceptable, but not showing less desire than the opposition was not.
Conte will continue to rely on Bournemouth loanee Philip Billing, who impressed on debut, while Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa remains sidelined with a calf injury. Meanwhile, Inter will likely welcome Marcus Thuram back into their attack after he recovered from an ankle injury.
With Napoli faltering, Saturday’s clash presents Inter with an opportunity to extend their lead at the top before facing Feyenoord in the Champions League. Atalanta, sitting third and only three points behind, also cannot be overlooked in the Scudetto race, especially as they host Venezia before the big match in Naples.
Elsewhere, AC Milan, eight points adrift of fourth-placed Juventus, face a critical week with games against Bologna and Lazio as they aim for a Champions League spot. Juventus, hosting Verona, will look to maintain their top-four position and hold off Milan’s challenge.
