Newly-crowned Serie A champions dismantled bitter rivals Inter 3-1 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Sunday’s blockbuster showdown. Despite a goalless halftime score, the Naples crowd witnessed goal galore in the second half, with Simone Inzaghi’s ten-man side folding in the last half an hour of play.
Fresh from securing a place in the Champions League final for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2010, Inter headed to southern Italy looking to complete a league double over Napoli following a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture. However, Roberto Gagliardini shot his side in the foot after receiving two quick yellow cards, leaving the Nerazzurri a man down the entire second half.
Even though Luciano Spalletti’s title-winning team struggled to penetrate Inter’s stubborn backline for over an hour, Andre-Frank Zambo-Anguissa’s 67th-minute deadlock-breaker triggered an avalanche of goals. Romelu Lukaku drew Inter level in the 82nd minute, but the home side’s late blitzkrieg caught Inzaghi’s men off guard.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo slotted home a screamer in the 85th minute to restore a one-point lead before second-half substitute Gianluca Gaetano chipped the ball past Andre Onana to seal a convincing win for Napoli. While the victory means next to nothing for the Partenopei, Inter must defend a two-point lead over fifth-placed Milan in the last two rounds to secure Champions League qualification.
Inter 3-5-2
Andre Onana – 7
Despite conceding three goals, the former Ajax goalkeeper pulled off numerous impressive saves. There was nothing he could do to deny any of the goals today.
Danilo D’Ambrosio – 6.5
Looked shaky whenever asked to defend against Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, though he stood his ground to keep the Georgian winger quiet. However, his on-the-ball skills let him down once again.
Stefan de Vrij – 6
Not one of his best displays for Inter by any stretch of the imagination, having spent most of the evening chasing the shadow that was Victor Osimhen.
Alessandro Bastoni – 5.5
Arguably one of his weakest performances this season, with Elif Elmas giving him a hard time over and over again before Matteo Politano ruined his day with his tricky feet and quick movement off the ball.
Raoul Bellanova – 5.5
Today’s showing from the right wing-back was perhaps the best illustration of Inzaghi’s lack of confidence in the 23-year-old. Too much desire but too little to show for it.
Nicolo Barella – 5.5
After picking Milan’s midfield apart in each Champions League semi-final leg, fatigue seemingly caught up with the energetic midfielder as he failed to cope with Napoli’s high press.
Kristjan Asllani – 5
Another second-string player who proved why he’s spent most of the second playing second-fiddle likes of Marcelo Brozovic and Hakan Calhanoglu. Barely influenced the play despite being handed all 90 minutes.
Roberto Gagliardini – 2
Simply awful! Made numerous overzealous challenges before being sent off. It’s inconceivable why Inzaghi refused to take him out earlier.
Robin Gosens – 4.5
His poor time at Inter hit a new low today. Completely out of the match, so it’s hard to believe he’ll push Federico Dimarco out of the starting lineup anytime soon.
Joaquin Correa – 4
What a waste of talent! He really should try harder when having a chance to play.
Romelu Lukaku – 6.5
Arguably the brightest spot in the traveling team today. He was lucky to score a late equalizer, but his overall performance can encourage Inter ahead of the upcoming finals against Fiorentina and Manchester City.
Substitutes
Marcelo Brozovic – 6
Inter’s best midfielder today despite joining the fray on the stroke of the hour mark.
Francesco Acerbi – 5.5
Playing every three days seemingly doesn’t suit the veteran defender, as he looked tired, even though he entered the pitch in the second half.
Federico Dimaro – 6.5
Replaced out-of-sorts Gosens and delivered a top-class assist to Lukaku.
Denzel Dumfries – N/A
Lautaro Martinez – N/A
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