Inter Milan fought back to earn a 2‑2 draw against Napoli at the San Siro, keeping their Champions League hopes alive while Napoli stayed within striking distance of the Serie A title. Lautaro Martínez netted twice for Inter, Victor Osimhen scored both for Napoli, and both teams missed chances to clinch three points in a match filled with late drama.
Match Summary: Inter vs Napoli 2-2 Draw
Key Moments
The game opened with Inter taking the lead in the 12th minute when Lautaro Martínez finished a low cross from Nicolo Barella. Ten minutes later Romelu Lukaku headed a corner into the net, giving Inter a comfortable 2‑0 advantage.
Napoli responded quickly. Victor Osimhen struck in the 28th minute after a swift transition, and just before halftime Matteo Guendouzi’s long‑range effort forced a scramble that resulted in an equaliser.
In the second half, Napoli reclaimed the lead when Osimhen headed in a low cross from Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Inter pressed hard, and Martínez completed his brace with a tight‑angle finish in the dying minutes to secure the point.
Goals and Scorers
- Inter Milan: Lautaro Martínez (12’, 86’), Romelu Lukaku (22’)
- Napoli: Victor Osimhen (28’, 84’), Matteo Guendouzi (45+2’ – own‑goal rebound)
Tactical Analysis
Inter’s Approach
Simone Inzaghi started aggressively, seeking an early lead through width and quick crossing. After conceding, he introduced Federico Dimarco and Alessandro Bastoni to reinforce the back line, but the side struggled to maintain defensive shape in the final third.
Napoli’s Strategy
Rudi Garcia shifted to a more compact midfield after going down 2‑0, giving Khvicha Kvaratskhelia freedom to exploit the spaces behind Inter’s full‑backs. Napoli’s high‑press in the second half forced errors and created the chances that led to the equaliser and the winning goal.
Implications for the Serie A Title Race
Impact on Inter
The draw keeps Inter in third place, three points behind Napoli and five behind leaders Juventus. Dropping points after leading by two goals highlights a vulnerability in closing out matches, a factor that could affect their Champions League qualification hopes.
Impact on Napoli
Napoli remains within striking distance of the top spot, tightening the race for the coveted Champions League places. Their ability to secure a point at the San Siro demonstrates growing resilience and reinforces their status as genuine title contenders.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures
Inter’s Next Challenges
Inter faces Torino and Lazio in the next two weeks. Converting draws into wins against these opponents will be essential to close the gap on Napoli and Juventus.
Napoli’s Next Steps
Napoli will look to maintain momentum against their upcoming rivals, focusing on defensive solidity while continuing to develop the striking partnership of Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia.
