Napoli vs Inter prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2023-12-02 19:45.
Napoli lost 4-2 to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) on Wednesday to leave their progression to the next round hanging in the balance. The Neapolitans need to pick up the pieces immediately as the defending Serie A (SA) champions are locked in a tight top-four battle. Consistency has been a problem of late, as Walter Mazzari’s side are looking to post consecutive league wins for the first time in more than two months after winning 2-1 against Atalanta last weekend.
Doing so would see them post consecutive SA wins over Inter Milan for the first time since 2016/17, following a 3-1 win here last season. There couldn't be a better venue than Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to achieve this feat, where Napoli have lost just one of their last 17 home top-flight H2Hs against the Milan giants (W10, D6), although a five game winless run at home remains a concern (D2, L3) including a shock loss to Empoli last time here.
Inter can make a little piece of history here, as they have a chance to score in 11 consecutive SA H2Hs for the first time since the 1950s. Their recent form suggests this is within their grasp, as the Nerazzurri average 2.4 goals per match across their last 11 SA away games (W9, D1, L1). Eight of those wins have also come with a clean sheet, which adds to the Nerazzuri's league-best defensive record of seven goals conceded this season, giving them a distinct advantage at the back.
There should be enough confidence in this Inter side in finding the net as well, as they are fresh off a 3-3 UCL draw against Benfica, the first time they earned a point after being three goals down in the competition. That result extended the Nerazzurri’s unbeaten run in all competitions to 11 games (W8, D3) as they travel down south looking to protect the two-point lead they held at the top of SA table after 13 rounds.
Players to watch: A contribution from Matteo Politano could be a good omen for Napoli, as his four personal SA goal contributions (G3, A1) have come in three wins. Inter captain Lautaro MartĂnez appears to grow an extra set of wings away from home, illustrated by all but one of his ten competitive goals since the middle of September being scored on the road (including eight after half-time).
Hot stat: The away side of the day has won just one of the last 12 SA H2Hs (Inter’s victory in Jan 2020).