*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
After Napoli's surprising loss to Como, Inter has finally moved a point clear at the top of the Serie A standings with 12 matches remaining in the season. The last two direct encounters ended in 1-1 draws, and another draw between these top Italian teams could bring Atalanta, who sit two points back in third, back into the spotlight, as they are expected to secure three points against Venezia over the weekend.
Napoli, under Antonio Conte, have been wobbling lately. February brought no wins for the Azzurri, with draws against Roma, Udinese, and Lazio, followed by a shock defeat at the hands of Como.
That defeat ruined many Serie A betting slips, with Como's 2-1 win handing Napoli only their second loss of the season.
After the Coppa Italia quarter-final, and with the UCL knockout stage approaching, Inter face this crucial match just a week after Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal of the match in the 78th minute their narrow victory over Genoa at San Siro.
Before this huge match game, the Nerazzurri have only two wins in their last five Serie A matches. It’s been a tough run, during which Inter's attack has only scored four goals in these games.
Lautaro Martinez has now scored 145 goals for Inter, making him the fourth-highest scorer in the club's history, behind only Sandro Mazzola (162), Roberto Boninsegna (173), Alessandro Altobelli (209), and Giuseppe Meazza (284).
Their earlier meeting this season at San Siro ended in a 1-1 draw. Both goals came in the first half, with McTominay opening the scoring in the 23rd minute, and Calhanoglu equalizing just before halftime.
Last season, the Napoli vs. Inter match at Stadio Maradona was dominated by Inter, who won 3-0. Calhanoglu scored again in this game, with Barella and Thuram adding the other two goals.
The two teams have faced off 157 times in Serie A. Inter has 70 wins, Napoli has 47, and 40 games have ended in a draw.
In the last encounter, Inter had more shots on target (4-2), more corners (4-2), and more yellow cards (2-0).
Lautaro Martinez scorer in his last Serie A game last week, and the Argentine forward has now scored 10 goals this season. In the previous three seasons, he has always netted over 20 goals.
Both defences are in the top three in the Italian league standings. Conte’s Napoli have conceded 21 goals, while Inter has let in 24 before the Napoli vs. Inter game.
Napoli have dropped 8 points at home this season (9 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses). Inter has scored only one goal in their last three away games in Serie A. The reigning champions have earned just one point from matches against Juventus, Fiorentina, and Milan.
Inter’s matches have averaged 3.2 goals per game this season, while Napoli's games have seen an average of 2.4 goals.
Betting Suggestions:
- Under 2.5 Goals: With both teams having solid defences, we can expect a tight game with goals at a premium.
- Lautaro Martinez Anytime Goalscorer: Lautaro is in great form, having scored in his latest Serie A match. With 10 goals this season, betting on him to score anytime in this derby is a solid choice.
- Draw No Bet - Napoli: Napoli has been strong at home despite some recent setbacks. Given the tight nature of this clash, a "Draw No Bet" option for Napoli could provide a safer option if you're leaning toward the home team.
- Correct Score Prediction: A 1-1 draw seems likely given the recent trend in direct encounters, making this scoreline look a good value bet.
- First Half - Draw: The last two matches saw both teams score in the first half. A bet on a draw at half-time might be a solid option.