A fixture that can very well decide Inter’s faith in the title race, Inter vs Napoli 21/22 is a must-win. As Inzaghi very well summed up before the game, Inter must start winning big games from here on. An inspiring display against Milan in the last outing did not produce a favourable result. But Fiorentina did Inter’s job by handing the Rossoneri their first defeat of the season in the next game. With a golden chance to cut the points deficit to both Milan and Napoli, Inzaghi’s men will be waiting for the opportunity to pounce.
One of the biggest highlights of Antonio Conte’s title-winning Inter was that the team took all three points off other title contenders on a regular basis. With a new manager and a depleted squad, Inter haven’t really done that in this season so far. Inzaghi is very well aware that he needs to change that in order to keep the Nerazzurri in title contention.
Inter vs Napoli 21/22: Spalletti’s return to the Meazza
Luciano Spalletti has a complicated relationship with the Nerazzurri fans. He came with aspirations and he did deliver by taking Inter to the Champions League and effectively helping pull the club out of its banter era. Replaced in favour of Antonio Conte, Spalletti never really got Inter going as he did with Roma previously or with Napoli now. He will have a point to prove on his visit to the San Siro.
It’s not just Spalletti’s will to prove himself, it’s his style of play that will concern Inzaghi. Known for his simple yet very well functioning 4-3-3 formation, Luciano’s Napoli can choke Inter. Brozovic has time and again been kept away from the action by the opponent successfully. And Spalletti is no stranger to his importance in the Inter midfield. Inter will try and do the same to Fabian Ruiz who functions in a similar role for Napoli.
Who should Inzaghi start?
Inter have a mid-week fixture against Shakhtar in the Champions League. For a change, Inter’s Champions League form looks good and Inzaghi will be desperate to make the most of it. With the Nerazzurri playing newly promoted Venezia next weekend, Inzaghi has the liberty to repeat his squad against Napoli and Shakhtar and rest important players against Venezia.
Captain Samir Handanovic looks to have found his feet between the sticks and will start. Bastoni, Skriniar and de Vrij will make up the back three. Brozovic and Barella are sure to start in the midfield. Inzaghi should start Vidal over Calhanoglu against Napoli because the Chile international has the ability to make up for Brozovic in case he is kept away from the ball. Inzaghi prefers Darmian and Perisic in the wingback roles when it comes to big games, so expect them to start as well. Edin Dzeko is fit to start and Lautaro Martinez should ideally partner him up front.
Inter vs Napoli 21/22: Time to shine?
As said before, Inter must win big games to have a shot at defending the Scudetto. It’s still not too late to rise up and shine for the Nerazzurri. For a club that often leaves things of the last moment, this is Inter’s time to shine.
