Di Napoli or Di Inter? Serie A race hangs by this game

Serie A holders Napoli host in-form Inter in a game which could have a huge impact on this season's title race in Italy. Besides the usual suspects like Osimhen, Lautaro and other superstars, two all-energy players will decide the game.

Both teams have one of those players who tend to change games. They are Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Federico Dimarco, who play as full-backs for the Italian national team. These two players face each other and possess excellent quality and danger when they move past the halfway line. However, their defensive skills are not as good as their attacking skills. Therefore, the key duel of the game will be when Di Lorenzo moves forward with Politano.

Both players have the creative ability to reach the byline, deliver important crosses, or find spaces between the lines to provide penetrating passes for their teammates. Additionally, Dimarco has an exceptional ability with set pieces, which can be decisive in the game. Inter has physicality and is very dangerous with set-pieces, thanks to phenomenal players like Dimarco and Calhanoglu. In evenly matched games, set pieces can always make the difference. Therefore, if I were Mazzarri, I would prepare the defence well for this crucial aspect.

The return of Victor Osimhen to Napoli's team has the potential to significantly boost morale and technical abilities. His presence brings depth and fosters a competitive spirit, which is essential for Walter Mazzarri and his players, particularly when the team is experiencing a rough patch. Additionally, Osimhen's reputation and ability to intimidate opponents take some of the pressure off of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, allowing him to play more freely. Inzaghi must be cautious not to put Napoli's attackers in one-on-one situations.

Inter, on the other hand, has seen significant growth in Lautaro at home, where he forms a formidable partnership with Marcus Thuram. Lautaro is a finisher and a box player, while Thuram's exceptional vision and ability to execute difficult moves make him a key threat to Napoli. Thus, it's crucial for Napoli to pay close attention to Thuram's football intelligence.

The midfield battle will be crucial in this match. Stanislav Lobotka will be a focal point for Inter's press. Napoli must also be wary of Calhanoglu, who has the ability to find Denzel Dumfries or Dimarco quickly. Substitutions could be the deciding factor in this match. Mazzarri must pay close attention to Nicolo Barella and Henryk Mkhitaryan's movements, and the coaches' ability to read the game and make strategic substitutions will be crucial.

Finally, the Maradona factor cannot be ignored. Napoli will undoubtedly be supported by their passionate crowd, which could give them an extra boost. In conclusion, while this game poses many challenges for Napoli, there are also opportunities to exploit Inter's weaknesses and secure a victory. The only problem is - Inter are a mean machine!

SERIE A - MATCHDAY 14

Friday

Monza - Juventus 1-2 (0-1)

/Carboni 90+1 - Rabiot 12, Gatti 90+4/

Saturday

Genoa - Empoli 1-1 (1-0)

/Malinovsky 37 - Cancellieri 67/

Lazio - Cagliari 1-0 (1-0)

/Pedro 8/

AC Milan - Frosinone 3-1 (1-0)

/Jovic 43, Pulisic 50, Tomori 74 - Brescianini 82/

Sunday

17:00: (1.50) Fiorentina (4.50) Salernitana (7.25)

17:00: (1.75) Udinese (3.50) Verona (5.00)

20:00: (3.90) Sassuolo (3.50) Roma (1.95)

22:45: (2.85) Napoli (3.50) Inter (2.55)

***odds are subject to change***