Napoli never gave up and snatched a crucial draw against league leaders Inter. The big match ended 2-2, with the Azzurri coming back twice thanks to a stunning Scott McTominay, who scored a brace that chilled the stadium and kept the race for the top spot wide open. The point takes Conte's team to 39 points, without letting the Nerazzurri get away and leaving the pitch with the feeling of a missed opportunity rather than a result worth defending.
Napoli started with character and immediately threatened in the fourth minute with Hojlund, but Inter held firm and struck on their first real counterattack. In the ninth minute, a mistimed run opened the way for Thuram, who set up Dimarco, whose precise cross-field shot made it 1-0. The Nerazzurri attempted to capitalize on the opportunity, but were unable to close out the game. And that's when Napoli changed the course of the match.
In the 26th minute, Elmas perfectly reads McTominay's run, anticipating Akanji and calmly beating Sommer to make it 1-1. The Scotsman becomes the symbol of the Azzurri's reaction and almost scores a brace in the 32nd minute, only to be stopped by the goalkeeper's intervention. Napoli grows, takes control of the pitch, and closes the first half with a confident display.
Second half: Inter take a penalty and it's 2-1, then McTominay scores again
The second half began with the Azzurri dominating once again. In the 49th minute, Hojlund broke away and nearly took the lead, with a left-footed shot that went just wide. Inter struggled and relied on long-range shots. In the 68th minute, the incident that changed the game's momentum once again occurred. VAR called Doveri for a foul by Rrahmani on Mkhitaryan and awarded a penalty, prompting protests from Napoli. Calhanoglu made it 2-1, but the decision weighed heavily.
Tensions explode. Antonio Conte shouts "Shame on you!" and is sent off after a heated exchange with the fourth official. Despite everything, Napoli remains united, changes formation, and returns to attacking with courage. In the 81st minute, Lang breaks down the flank and crosses a perfect ball that McTominay converts to make it 2-2, a true striker, completing a brace worth its weight in gold.
Inter attempted a desperate assault in the closing stages, but Napoli held firm. In the 94th minute, Mkhitaryan's shot hit the post, with a decisive deflection off Di Lorenzo, confirming a night of sacrifice and character. The Azzurri left San Siro with a draw that felt like a show of strength, remaining close to the top spot and sending a clear message: Napoli is here, and has no intention of stepping aside.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (3)
It was a truly intense match, but I don't know if Napoli could have done more to win. McTominay was decisive, but Inter should have finished the game sooner.
I agree with you, but the referee's decision could have been different. Napoli showed character, even though there were mistakes on both sides during the match.
Napoli did well to react, but I don't understand why Inter didn't capitalize on their lead; they had more chances. The penalty was also dubious in my opinion, but in the end, a draw isn't bad.