Inter Milan vs Napoli
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 30 April 2017
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (Milan)
This weekend’s Serie A action rounds off with Napoli’s trip to Inter Milan. While the visitors are basically assured of their place in the top three, the hosts are still pushing for a Europe League spot. Despite a lot of investment in the summer, the Nerazzurri have stuttered this term. The problems which cropped up under Frank De Boer are troubling Stefano Pioli, meaning there’s plenty of work to be done for whoever takes over in the summer.
Inter’s brilliant 7-1 win over Atalanta was followed up by a five game run without a win. That’s knocked them off the Champions League pace, and left them scrapping for sixth. They’ve continued their scoring touch, finding the net in every game in their winless run. The problem for the Nerazzurri is at the back, which has seen them concede 13 times in their last five. They blew a 2-0 lead over AC to draw 2-2, and they let in four goals in 17 minutes against Fiorentina to go from 2-1 up to 5-2 behind.
That kind of defensive record is a huge concern in any game, but now Inter are facing Serie A’s highest scoring side. Napoli have drawn comparisons with Barcelona for their set up, and they’re probably the best side to watch in Italy. They can be unstoppable going forward at times, averaging 2.5 goals per game on their travels, but their 2-2 draw at Sassuolo last weekend shows that the Partenopei are still vulnerable at the back.
Both sides still have something to play for, so expect an intense game on Sunday night. This could be a thrilling affair, given that these two are great going forward but weak defensively. Goals seem very likely, with 88% of Napoli’s away matches seeing at least three goals, while 77% of Inter’s home games have been over 2.5 goals.
Napoli’s last 13 away games in all competitions have seen at least three goals, while seven of their last 10 have seen four or more scored. Inter have seen at least four goals in six of their last eight, so we can see a very entertaining affair this weekend. That has us backing over 3 in the Goal Line betting, which looks like great value at 9/10 with bet365.
Inter vs Napoli: Head-to-head statistics
Inter have a record of W8-D6-L6 in their last 20 home games against teams ranked above them in the table.
Napoli have a record of W11-D5-L4 in their last 20 away games against teams ranked below them in the table.
The Nerazzurri have lost only one of their last 13 home Serie A games against Napoli (W10 D2.
Inter have scored at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 10 home matches against Napoli in all competition.
Napoli are undefeated in their last 10 away matches.
However, Inter are undefeated in 9 of their last 10 home matches against Napoli in all competitions.
The Partenopei have scored at least 2 goals in their last 10 away matches.
Inter have failed to win their last 5 matches.
Inter vs Napoli: Prediction
Both Inter and Napoli have their fair share of defensive woes, so expect a pretty open match. The Nerazzurri have seen at least four goals in six out of their last eight games, whilst seven of the Partenopei’s last 10 have seen at least four goals. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of Inter’s home games and Napoli’s away games have seen over 2.5 goals, so fans could be in for another thriller on Sunday evening.
Inter vs Napoli: Betting tips
Inter to win and BTTS at 13/8 (2.63).
