Inter crush Napoli, retake top spot in Serie A

Italy Inter won 3-0 right at Diego Maradona stadium of defending champion Napoli, in round 14 of Serie A on the evening of December 3.

Napoli started better, but failed to capitalize on their chances in front of Inter's goal. Eljif Elmas' near-post shot deflected off goalkeeper Yann Sommer, while Matteo Politano's long-range shot hit the crossbar. Napoli paid dearly for their failure to capitalize on their opportunities as Inter regained control of the game. In the 44th minute, after a pass from the front line, Hakan Calhanoglu opened the scoring from 25 metres.

Napoli continued to be ineffective after the break. Victor Osimhen failed to put any pressure on Inter's goal, in his first start since two months out with an injury. In the 61st minute, the visitors made it 2-0. After Lautato Martinez's low cross, Nicolo Barella dribbled past Amir Rrahmani and Leo Ostigard, then fired from six metres past goalkeeper Alex Meret.

Nicolo Barella scores to make it 2-0 as Inter beat Napoli 3-0 in round 14 of Serie A at Diego Maradona Stadium on December 3. Photo: Reuters

After the second goal, Napoli pressed forward. However, Inter knew how to defuse the pressure. Not only that, in the 85th minute, the away team scored a third goal. Juan Cuadrado crossed from the right wing just in time for Marcus Thuram to tap the ball into Napoli's net.

After the win over the defending champions, Inter returned to the top of Serie A. Coach Simone Inzaghi's team now has 35 points after 14 matches, two points ahead of Juventus and six points ahead of Milan.

Meanwhile, Napoli dropped to fifth place. The defending champions have the same 24 points as AS Roma, but are behind on goal difference. The loss to Inter was the second defeat in three matches under new coach Walter Mazzarri. Previously, Mazzarri helped Napoli beat Atalanta 2-1, but lost 2-4 to Real Madrid.

Thanh Quy

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