Aurelio De Laurentiis finds Giuseppe Marotta’s words ‘inappropriate’, defends Antonio Conte and demands ‘new’ VAR rules after a controversial penalty incident in Inter-Napoli on Sunday.

Napoli President De Laurentiis responded to his Inter counterpart Marotta in an official statement published on the Partenopei’s website Wednesday morning.

De Laurentiis defended his coach, Conte, who had protested a referee’s decision to give a penalty kick to Inter in the second half of a key Serie A game against Inter on Sunday.

Inter star Calhanoglu had missed the spot-kick, but Conte was still furious and did nothing to hide his feelings after the final whistle.

Inter President Marotta had hit back on Tuesday, saying that the ex-Nerazzurri boss “spoke for a purpose”, but ADL replied.

“I’ve read in Los Angeles some Marotta claims which I find inappropriate,” the Napoli President said.

“According to most pundits, the penalty shouldn’t have been given. But mostly, Conte’s words were clear and were exactly what I thought and always said. VAR is a great tool to avoid referee errors. It makes no sense to say that sometimes it can intervene and sometimes it can’t. If there’s an error, VAR officials must call the referee. Otherwise, you block football’s growth and fuel suspects.

• Read more – Angry Conte knows VAR protocol, but wanted to send a message

“Furthermore, referees are already in touch with VAR. Why shouldn’t he receive suggestions from those who can see what happened thanks to technology? Conte said obvious things, the same I’ve been saying for years,” added ADL.

Napoli President De Laurentiis hits back at Marotta, defends Conte, demands new VAR rules

“It’s necessary to avoid fueling suspects and doubts, and the respect, as Rocchi said, must be mutual to avoid, as he said, to inflame the league.

“It must be said that referees should be free from any psychological influence, which, on the contrary, is often present among referees and VAR. I think it’s clear to everyone that it’s necessary to set up new VAR rules to avoid inconsistent decisions, which, I repeat, would only contribute to fueling doubt.

“It is also clear that often, on-pitch referees are not happy with intervention from VAR referees because correcting their decisions takes away credibility and autonomy from them. However, when there are clear errors, VAR must intervene by calling the referee to show what happened on the monitor for the good of football.”

Napoli remain the Serie A table leader after Sunday’s 1-1 draw at San Siro, but Inter, Atalanta, Lazio and Fiorentina are just one point below the Partenopei.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Assault on Skriniar and Hancko

Juventus, defence to be remade

Cabal ruptures his cruciate ligament after Bremer. Motta wants reinforcements: the Slovak pair in January.

Inter don’t accept it

Very surprised by Conte and the fear that the season could be influenced.

Milan, not only Frendrup. Belahyane is on the list

Roma, in the end, Ranieri returns

Meeting with the Friedkins in London, here’s the coach loved by the fans

Corriere dello Sport

Marotta and Conte: first controversy

The President: ‘If he talks, he has a precise objective.’

‘Antonio is smart and a great communicator, but the Dumfries penalty was clear.’ The Azzurri back their coach: rules must be changed. Beppe also hits back at Scaroni, who said Milan was the only team in Milano: ‘I wish him to win the second star.’

Roma, Ranieri on the boat

The Friedkin towards a temporary solution. Claudio flew to London to negotiate. The team on the pitch at Trigoria tomorrow.

Juve worried: Cabal knocked out, too.

Knee injury with Colombia. Thiago risks losing another defender for a long time after Bremer.

Ibra: ‘I believe in Milan, we want to make history.’

‘We want to lift trophies, Pulisic and Reijnders extraordinary.’

Tuttosport

Cabal injured too: cruciate ligament?

Juve, warning in defence, Lindelof offers himself.

There’s fear the Colombian ruptured his cruciate ligament while on international duty. Exams at the J Medical today. He’d be the second case after Bremer. The Swedish of Man Utd, a free agent in June, could become a chance.

Tension Marotta-Conte: ‘He has an objective when he talks.’

Roma breakthrough: Ranieri flies to London to meet Friedkin

Everton offer: ‘Toro, are you interested in Beto loan?’

The ex-Udinese hitman is struggling with playing time and the English club are looking for a club: the Granata without Zapata are an option.

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti insists it’s ‘essential’ to pay attention to public messages after referee decisions, otherwise ‘it’s easy to believe there were shocking events even when it’s not the case.’

Spalletti was asked his thoughts on recent controversies for a penalty kick given to Inter in a Serie A match against Napoli.

Hakan Calhanoglu missed it, but Napoli coach Antonio Conte was still furious with the referee and questioned the use of VAR.

Italy coach Spalletti opens up about controversial Inter vs Napoli penalty

“It’s essential to pay attention to how messages are transmitted because when the contact level for a foul is so reduced, the players feed on this, and it’s easy to believe there were shocking events even when it’s not the case,” Spalletti said after on Monday night after an award ceremony at Italy’s Hall of Fame.

“It’s necessary to talk to the players to avoid making a fuss because these things reduce the referees in prison if they don’t pay attention.”

The big match at San Siro on Sunday eventually ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving Napoli at the top of the Serie A table with four teams just one point behind them: Atalanta, Fiorentina, Inter, and Lazio.

Napoli’s Serie A campaign resumes after the break with a home game against strugglers Roma at the Stadio Maradona on November 24.

Spalletti’s Italy meet Belgium and France in Nations League games this week.

The Azzurri trained Monday afternoon after Spalletti’s first press conference in the November break.

Inter coach Simone Inzaghi didn’t reply to his opponent, Antonio Conte, who had complained about the use of VAR: ‘We must try to help referees.’

Conte was fuming last night after Inter were awarded a controversial penalty kick in the second half of a Serie A game against his Napoli side at San Siro.

Hakan Calhanoglu missed it, but the error from the spot didn’t decrease Conte’s frustration. The Italian tactician vented his anger during an interview with DAZN and a post-match press conference.

The Napoli boss said “all coaches” were unhappy with the use of VAR and its protocol, but Inzaghi suggested he was not among them.

Inter coach Inzaghi doesn’t respond to Conte in VAR controversy

“I have nothing to say. I think Antonio spoke for himself,” Inzaghi said at a post-match press conference attended by Football Italia.

“Sometimes you receive something, and sometimes it’s taken away. We must all try to help the referees, starting with me. I received a yellow card, but a referee can make mistakes, and we must all try to help. All games are intense, and we must try to help.”

The Serie A title race is wide open, with the top six sides within just two points.

The Nerazzurri sit second with Atalanta, Lazio, and Fiorentina, just one point below Conte’s team.

“Some teams brought reinforcements. We’ll need consistency and avoid injuries like the last period,” said the Nerazzurri boss.

“We hope the lads return from the break well. We miss Carlos Augusto, but he’ll return after the international break.”

Inter visit Hellas Verona after the international break on Saturday, November 23.

Antonio Conte was still upset at a post-match press conference on Sunday and continued protesting against VAR: ‘All the coaches are angry; I don’t want bad thoughts.’

Table leaders Napoli collected a 1-1 draw against Inter at San Siro last night, but the Nerazzurri missed a penalty kick in the second half.

Conte thought VAR should have cancelled the spot kick and did not hide his frustration during a post-match interview with DAZN.

Protests continued during a post-match press conference attended by Football Italia last night.

“It was annoying to hear that VAR could not intervene on a non-existent penalty. If there’s an error, VAR must intervene. If there’s an obvious error, it must intervene,” he said.

Conte’s VAR rage continues: ‘I don’t want bad thoughts’

“Using VAR like this fuels conspiracy theories and bad thoughts. I don’t want to have bad thoughts. If there’s an error, VAR must intervene.

“I want intellectual honesty and I’ve been hearing this thing for a while, so now it’s upsetting me,” he continued.

“If there’s a clear error, you must correct it or at least tell the referee to double-check on the monitor. If he confirmed the decision, I’d be the first to defend him.”

A reporter tried to cheer him up by saying that Napoli remained the table leader, but Conte could not stop talking about VAR.

“Sorry, nit I’m too angry about things. Hearing that VAR can’t intervene sounds like a joke,” he insisted.

“All the coaches are angry; VAR must intervene if there’s an error, whether it’s in favour or against Napoli. Who made this protocol? I don’t want conspiracy theories; I want to remain calm on the bench; otherwise, I’ll get yellow or red cards. Today, I saw that the odds for my red card were 1/4. Incredible.”

Conte was furious about the VAR protocol, which does not allow referees to check specific fouls at the pitchside monitor.

“Who made this protocol? It seems to be that it only creates confusion,” concluded Conte.

“I could have lost the game for what? Because the protocol says that VAR cannot intervene? Let’s cancel the protocol and cancel excuses; I want honesty.”

Inter, Atalanta, Lazio and Fiorentina are just one point below Napoli in the table, while Juventus sit sixth two points below the Partenopei.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo insists ‘nobody expected’ Napoli to be top of the Serie A table after 12 rounds, especially after they emerged unbeaten away to Juventus, Milan and now Inter.

The Partenopei had taken the lead at San Siro through Scott McTominay on a corner kick routine, but it was cancelled out by the Hakan Calhanoglu scorcher that bent back Alex Meret’s glove.

Both teams had the opportunities to win, Inter hitting the woodwork twice with Federico Dimarco and above all a Calhanoglu penalty, while Giovanni Simeone ballooned over from 12 yards with the last kick of the game.

It proved enough for a 1-1 draw, which means Napoli go into the break for international duty as the sole Serie A leaders, albeit just one point in front of the group including Inter, Atalanta, Lazio and Fiorentina.

The top six are all crammed into the space of two points, with Juventus just behind that cluster.

Di Lorenzo hails Napoli revival

“Nobody expected us to be in first place at this stage, but we are happy and must continue working to improve,” Di Lorenzo told DAZN.

They lost the opening game of the Serie A season away to Verona, then went on a remarkable run of victories interrupted only by a 0-0 draw away to Juventus and last week’s surprise 3-0 home defeat to Atalanta.

“We’re pleased to have finished this difficult run of fixtures ahead of everyone else. We’ve improved in terms of maturity, as after that painful home defeat, we put in a great performance this evening,” continued Di Lorenzo.

“We emerged unbeaten away to Milan, Inter and Juventus. That is a sign of a strong squad and we are not even halfway through the season yet.”

Napoli won the Scudetto in 2023, then had a painful crash back down to earth with 10^th place and a succession of coaches coming through the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Di Lorenzo famously asked to leave the club, as he felt disrespected in the role of captain, but was convinced to remain by Antonio Conte and President Aurelio De Laurentiis.

“It was not a good period personally, but what I tried to do was work my way through it. I am pleased with this start to the season, both for Napoli and Italy. Naturally, when the team is in good form, it becomes easier for the individual to emerge too.”

Simone Inzaghi insists Inter deserved to beat Napoli in this evening’s 1-1 draw at San Siro, especially after a draining Champions League win over Arsenal. ‘We dominated the second half.’

The Nerazzurri had the opportunity to leapfrog Antonio Conte’s side and go top of the table with a victory, but had to fight back from the Scott McTominay opener on a corner kick routine.

Hakan Calhanoglu was both hero and villain, because while he bent Alex Meret’s glove back for the equaliser, he fired a penalty against the upright – the first in 18 that he has failed to convert.

“I congratulated the team, if there was one side that should’ve won, then it was Inter. The second half was dominated by us. We went behind on a set play situation where we should’ve done better, but we kept our heads and did not allow Napoli practically anything,” Inzaghi told DAZN.

While Napoli are not in Europe this season and have all week to prepare for these games, Inter fought their way to a 1-0 victory over Premier League side Arsenal midweek.

“After all that we did against Arsenal and the energy we used up, I really didn’t expect us to be this impressive. I usually call on my bench more often, but we were in such good shape that I didn’t want to mess with anything that we were doing. We hit the woodwork twice, missed a penalty, so I don’t know what more we could’ve done,” continued Inzaghi.

“We could probably have made more of our chances, but let us not forget the strength of the side we were facing, what we had done on Wednesday, so overall the lads did really well.”

Inzaghi sees Inter improvement

Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram were such a fruitful partnership last season, but are they losing some of that magic?

“They worked hard for the team and kept us solid. As I said, after all that we did midweek, I had to congratulate them. As a coach, I have to leave the result to one side and focus on the performance, which was excellent against a quality opponent,” noted Inzaghi.

“I said this would be a very balanced campaign and that is proving to be true, but I saw a wonderful Inter tonight. Napoli have so many fast strikers, but Yann Sommer practically didn’t have a save to make against the current Serie A leaders.”

So far, the head-to-head battles have not gone Inter’s way, losing to Milan, then drawing at home to both Juventus and Napoli.

Curiously, Inter are yet to concede a single Champions League goal in four games, despite allowing more shots on target than in Serie A. What is causing the difference in their clean sheet record?

“We are trying to work on that and there have been improvements lately. Our last two performances are reassuring, I have a lot of confidence in the side and physically they really impressed me today,” continued Inzaghi.

“There is an element of luck there too, as today McTominay was kept onside by his marker, there are some situations that can hit the woodwork and go out rather than in. We have to keep working with this humility, in our last 10 games we’ve played eight wins and two draws, so considering we played teams like Arsenal and Napoli, that is not bad.

“However, we are Inter, so it should’ve been 10 wins out of 10.”

This result leaves the title race wide open, as Napoli are still the leaders, but only one point clear of a huddle including Inter, Atalanta, Lazio and Fiorentina, while Juventus are just one point behind them.

Antonio Conte shouted furiously at the VAR protocol after the penalty awarded to Inter in their 1-1 draw against Napoli. ‘It is a wonderful instrument, but it has to be used honestly or it starts to create bad thoughts.’

The Partenopei knew that defeat would see them lose the leadership of Serie A, but had taken an early lead at San Siro when Scott McTominay turned in from a corner kick routine.

It was cancelled out by the Hakan Calhanoglu scorcher that bent back Alex Meret’s glove, though Inter had the chance to win it with a soft penalty which the Turkey international fired against the upright.

Conte arrived at the interview station just as the pundits were discussing the penalty, noting it was absolutely minimal contact between Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa and Denzel Dumfries, but because there was still some contact, VAR could not overturn it as a clear and obvious error.

Conte vents fury at VAR after Inter-Napoli call

“What does that mean, VAR cannot intervene if there is an error. Can they only intervene when it suits them? A decision from the referee like this can transform a match and VAR cannot do anything about it?” a furious Conte told DAZN.

“Either VAR is there to correct errors or it is not. If there is an error, it has to intervene. What does this even mean? It really angers me, but it does to all coaches, it has to intervene if there is a mistake.

“In logical terms, if there is VAR, it must be used to correct errors or show the referee situations that he did not see. If it’s a clear error, and it was, then why should Mariani be allowed to just do that.

“We had started so well with VAR, but now things are getting off track and they are not intervening. Call the referee, he can even confirm the decision if he wants, but he has to see it again. I would say that both for us and if it was for the opposition.”

DAZN refereeing expert Luca Marelli tried to explain that VAR has always only been allowed to intervene for a clear and obvious error, but Conte did not accept that.

“I feel more comfortable if the VAR can always intervene to correct the referee, not leaving it to the referee, otherwise trust me that it will start to create bad thoughts. Trust me. This is a wonderful instrument if it is used in a clear, honest fashion.

“I won’t have any of this ‘ooh, the VAR cannot intervene’ – if anything it is giving the referee an opportunity to not look like crap, quite frankly. They are doing him a favour by correcting his mistakes.”

Conte spent so much time angrily ranting at the concept of VAR protocols that he had barely any time to discuss the game.

“I said that we would not come here to just be sparring partners against the strongest squad in Serie A, so it was important for us to face them with strength, character, accepting duels all over the field.

“On that score, I am very satisfied. It was not easy to play here, we all know that we are making improvements and working hard, otherwise you don’t come to San Siro twice and also against Juventus without defeat.

“The lads are proving themselves, though of course we could’ve done much, much more in terms of quality today. There were too many errors, a lot of technical errors, but I am sure there will be further improvements.”

The fight for the Scudetto is now wide open, because Napoli are only one point clear of the group including Inter, Atalanta, Lazio and Fiorentina.

Hakan Calhanoglu knew his perfect penalty record would not last forever, but hoped it would not be broken in ‘such an important game’ as Inter’s Scudetto showdown with Napoli.

It was a balanced encounter at San Siro, as Scott McTominay had given the visitors the lead on a corner kick routine, before Calhanoglu’s scorcher bent back Alex Meret’s glove.

Calhanoglu also had the opportunity to win it for Inter, but unusually for him drilled a penalty onto the base of the upright, while Federico Dimarco also clipped the frame of the goal and Giovanni Simeone ballooned over with the last kick of the game.

Calhanoglu had ideal Inter record

“I think we dominated the match and deserved more, we were just a bit unlucky. I am sorry that today I missed my first penalty for Inter, I knew it had to happen sooner or later, but not in such an important game,” Calhanoglu told DAZN after the 1-1 draw.

“I need to get right back on my feet, because it’s a long season ahead of us and my statistics are still pretty good.”

That is an understatement, as it was the first time in 18 attempts that he failed to convert a penalty in the Nerazzurri jersey.

“It was an intense match with a lot of duels, we tried to find our strikers, but the Napoli defenders worked well. In the second half we had more width with the wing-backs, but were unable to score another goal.”

The Scudetto race could not be tighter, because Napoli are the leaders only one point clear of a group including Inter, Atalanta, Lazio and Fiorentina, followed by Juventus one point behind them.

“Many teams reinforced this summer, there are a lot of new players, whereas we only changed two or three. However, there’s a long way to go yet, we are trying to give our best and it is not easy when playing every two or three days.

“Playing Wednesday against a very strong opponent like Arsenal and then immediately having this test was tough.”

Hakan Calhanoglu scored a ferocious long-range strike to cancel out the Scott McTominay opener, but also fired an Inter penalty onto the upright as Napoli emerged with a point from San Siro.

There was one point separating the teams going into this showdown, with Atalanta, Lazio and Fiorentina also catching the Partenopei in top spot following this weekend’s results. Only Carlos Augusto was still out for the hosts, who rotated their squad in a midweek Champions League victory over Arsenal and had Francesco Acerbi starting for the first time since October 20. Stanislav Lobotka was back on the bench after a month, but Billy Gilmour kept his spot, as Antonio Conte and Romelu Lukaku returned to face their former club.

See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia tested Yann Sommer early doors and Nicolò Barella’s first-time effort drifted just wide, but Napoli took the lead on a set play routine.

Amir Rrahmani flicked on the corner at the near post and McTominay got in front of Denzel Dumfries to tap in from point-blank range.

Right place, right time

Scott McTominay fires Napoli ahead against the reigning Serie A champions

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/SEPoHcajiU

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 10, 2024

Hakan Calhanoglu’s misplaced pass almost gifted Napoli another goal with Lukaku sending Kvaratskhelia clear, as only a desperate Acerbi sliding tackle prevented the tap-in.

At the other end, Acerbi almost equalised when released by the Barella through ball, his angled drive parried by Alex Meret’s feet at the near post.

Inter equalised just before half-time with a ferocious strike from distance by Calhanoglu that swerved and dipped, the sheer power of it pushing Meret’s glove back as it flew into the far top corner.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s incredible strike that levelled the game up against Napoli

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/n6nia21Ogc

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 10, 2024

Lautaro Martinez attempted a back-heel flick at the dawn of the second half, but it was charged down by Matias Olivera, while Federico Dimarco’s snooker shot from the edge of the box clipped the outside of the upright.

Lobotka made his comeback, but Inter were taking more control of the initiative, Dimarco again testing Meret at the near post until Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa grazed Dumfries on the ankle inside the box for a penalty. Contact was minimal, but enough to ensure VAR could not intervene. Nonetheless, Calhanoglu fired it onto the base of the upright, the first of 18 penalties in the Inter jersey that he failed to convert.

Barella sent two defenders to ground with a dummy to put the ball onto his left foot, stinging Meret’s gloves from the edge of the area.

While Meret made a great reaction save on the Lautaro Martinez header, it wouldn’t have counted due to an earlier offside position in the move.

Napoli could’ve won it with the last kick of the game, as Cyril Ngonge turned Matteo Darmian to pull back from the by-line, but Giovanni Simeone fired over first time from 12 yards.

It means Napoli are still the sole Serie A leaders, but are only one point clear of a group that includes Inter, Atalanta, Lazio and Fiorentina.

Inter 1-1 Napoli

McTominay 23 (N), Calhanoglu 43 (I)

Missed penalty: Calhanoglu 74 (I)

10-11-2024 19:45

MatchDay 12

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Inter

Napoli

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		23'		Scott McTominay (Assist: Amir Rrahmani)
Hakan Calhanoglu (Assist: Alessandro Bastoni)		43'

2nd half

Hakan Calhanoglu		74'
Denzel Dumfries		80'

Match statistic

53

Possession %

47

13

Total shots

5

4

Shots on target

2

4

Shots off target

2

5

Blocked shots

1

4

Corners

2

3

Offsides

1

15

Fouls

12

Inter

Napoli

Starting lineups

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

95

Alessandro Bastoni

Defender

89'

28

Benjamin Pavard

Defender

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

82'

15

Francesco Acerbi

Defender

2

Denzel Dumfries

Midfielder

20

Hakan Calhanoglu

Midfielder

82'

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

10

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

89'

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

82'

1

Alex Meret

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

13

Amir Rrahmani

Defender

22

Giovanni Di Lorenzo

Defender

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

99

Frank Anguissa

Midfielder

6

Billy Gilmour

Midfielder

60'

8

Scott McTominay

Midfielder

77

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Attacker

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

84'

11

Romelu Lukaku

Attacker

77'

Substitutes

21

Kristjan Asllani

Midfielder

16

Davide Frattesi

Midfielder

11

Joaquín Correa

Attacker

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

17

Tajon Buchanan

Attacker

12

Raffaele Di Gennaro

Goalkeeper

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

42

Tomas Palacios

Defender

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

82'

36

Matteo Darmian

Defender

82'

99

Mehdi Taremi

Attacker

82'

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

89'

8

Marko Arnautovic

Attacker

89'

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

5

Juan Jesus

Defender

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

81

Giacomo Raspadori

Attacker

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

23

Alessio Zerbin

Attacker

7

David Neres

Attacker

25

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

16

Rafa Marín

Defender

68

Stanislav Lobotka

Midfielder

60'

18

Giovanni Simeone

Attacker

77'

26

Cyril Ngonge

Attacker

84'

Watch as Scott McTominay gives Napoli the lead at a packed San Siro in the Scudetto showdown against Inter, completing a set play routine.

The Scotland international was one of only three players of the starting 22 on the field who had not previously won the Serie A title, the others being Billy Gilmour and Alessandro Buongiorno.

See how the game unfolds on the Liveblog.

He was in the right place to meet the Amir Rrahmani flick on a Khvicha Kvaratskhelia corner at the near post, getting in front of his marker to tap in with the outside of the boot.

This was the third goal along with two assists in 10 competitive appearances for Napoli since the €30.5m plus extras transfer from Manchester United on August 30.

McTominay scores for Inter 0-1 Napoli

Right place, right time

Scott McTominay fires Napoli ahead against the reigning Serie A champions

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/SEPoHcajiU

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 10, 2024

Scott McTominay in a perfect position to open the scoring at the Giuseppe Meazza pic.twitter.com/JcGoOnyCYJ

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 10, 2024

Inter fans ignored their ex-coach, Antonio Conte, on his return to San Siro with Napoli but insulted Romelu Lukaku even before the game started.

Serie A giants Inter and Napoli meet at San Siro this evening. Football Italia is among the accredited media.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The match marks Conte and Lukaku’s return at the Stadio Meazza.

The pair had won the Serie A title with the Nerazzurri in 2020-21. They both left that same summer, but Lukaku returned a year later, completing a loan move from Chelsea.

Inter fans ignore Conte, insult Lukaku

He refused to join the club permanently in the summer of 2023, ruining his relationship with the fans and his ex-teammates, including Lautaro Martinez.

When Lukaku returned to San Siro with Roma last season, Inter fans brought thousands of whistles to the stadium to give a harsh welcome to their former hero.

Some did the same tonight, but most Inter fans welcomed Lukaku with insulting chants that started before kick-off outside the Meazza.

During the shooting practice in the warm-up, Inter supporters waited for Lukaku’s turn to start whistling and celebrated when he didn’t find the net.

They also put pressure on their ex-striker during the game by booing every time he touched the ball.

Inter President Beppe Marotta knows Antonio Conte better than most and insists Simone Inzaghi is ‘heading towards that type of career path’ as the Napoli coach.

It kicks off at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in San Siro at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The battle at the top of the table has become extraordinary after Napoli’s 3-0 home defeat to Atalanta last week.

Going into this game, Inter are just one point off the Partenopei, who are in turn now caught by Atalanta, Lazio and Fiorentina following today’s victories.

Marotta predicts Inter-Napoli Scudetto race

Marotta already worked with Conte at Juventus and then brought him in to win the Scudetto at Inter, so nobody knows him better.

“Napoli are certainly a candidate for the Scudetto. I know Conte well and I know the club, they have all the credentials to fight to the end,” Marotta told DAZN.

“I consider Conte to be a winning coach, but our Simone Inzaghi is also heading towards that type of a career path.”

Inzaghi rotated the squad midweek in the Champions League against Arsenal, perhaps telling the players that the previous game with relegation strugglers Venezia was just as important.

“I do believe that with so many games close together and having a suitable squad at our disposal, it is only right that he rotates. We say there are no first-choice players, they are all on the same level and choices are made considering both the characteristics of the match and the form at that time.”

It has been said that Napoli have the added advantage of not playing in the Champions League, so they are not distracted by midweek commitments. However, could this be seen as practically a Champions League level of test for Inter?

“Napoli are nonetheless an important club who have experience of European football, Conte certainly does, so we need a performance of the highest level and I am convinced we will do very well,” concluded Marotta.

Napoli director Giovanni Manna warns they chose Antonio Conte’ to rebuild and we picked the best possible, but it is a process’ as they go head-to-head with Inter for the Scudetto.

It kicks off at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in San Siro at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

Last week’s 3-0 home defeat to Atalanta has blown the title race wide open, as they are currently joint top of the table on 25 points with Atalanta, Lazio and Fiorentina, while Inter are one point behind going into this showdown.

Manna and Conte keep Napoli on their toes

“We have been consistent with the message we had at the start of the season, we take it one day at a time. Italian teams are doing very well in Europe, so the level of the league is raised and we are happy to play in this wonderful atmosphere,” Manna told DAZN.

“We always said that we would remain concentrated and positive, both in good and bad moments, because that is how you go through life. We keep working, we prepared the match well during the week and focused on the details, so we hope for a good performance.”

Conte has repeatedly stated that Inter and even Atalanta are currently stronger squads than Napoli, so does Manna agree with that approach?

“It is an objective fact, Inter dominated the league last season, they already had their new players lined up by March, while Atalanta won the Europa League, are in the Champions League and played the European Super Cup. We are working at our own pace,” agreed the director.

“Antonio Conte is hardly a discovery. We did not choose a coach to get back to winning ways immediately, we chose a coach to rebuild and we picked the best possible. We know where we want to end up and that it requires a process.

“Of course, his curriculum speaks for itself, but as the President said, we are trying to rebuild and are asking for some patience. We won’t stop anyone dreaming, but we must also recognise that there will be some negative moments along the way.”

Inter have arrived at the Stadio Meazza in Milan in a fantastic atmosphere as thousands of fans welcomed the Nerazzurri with chants and flares.

Defending Serie A champions Inter host table leaders Napoli at San Siro tonight. Football Italia is among the accredited media.

Video: Fantastic atmosphere as Inter arrive for Napoli clash

It’s the big game of Serie A Round 12, as the Nerazzurri are just one point below their ex-coach Antonio Conte.

Thousands of fans welcomed the Nerazzurri to the stadium only a few minutes ago, and below, you can taste the San Siro atmosphere less than one hour before kick-off.

Follow every update from San Siro this evening on the Football Italia Live Blog.

The atmosphere #InterNapoli @footballitalia pic.twitter.com/vfLACOujDX

— Lorenzo Bettoni (@LoreBetto) November 10, 2024

It’s a top of the table Scudetto showdown, as Inter look to Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram and Hakan Calhanoglu against Napoli’s Romelu Lukaku, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Scott McTominay.

It kicks off at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in San Siro at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

There was only one point separating the two teams going into this weekend, as the leaders were beaten 3-0 at home by Atalanta to blow the race wide open.

The Nerazzurri are coming off a midweek Champions League victory over Arsenal, despite resting several of their top stars.

They all return here, including Federico Dimarco, Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolò Barella, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Thuram.

Even Francesco Acerbi is available again for the first time since October 20, so the only injury absentee is Carlos Augusto.

This will always be a special match for former Inter coach Conte and his star striker Lukaku, although the latter left in rather more bitter circumstances and will be loudly jeered.

Stanislav Lobotka is back on the bench for the first time in a month, but Billy Gilmour again takes the midfield reins.

McTominay, Matteo Politano and Kvaratskhelia fan out in support of Lukaku.

Here too, the only player out of action is Michael Folorunsho.

Inter vs. Napoli line-ups

Inter: Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; M Thuram, Lautaro Martinez

Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera; Anguissa, Gilmour, McTominay; Politano, Lukaku Kvaratskhelia

10-11-2024 19:45

MatchDay 12

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Inter

Napoli

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		23'		Scott McTominay (Assist: Amir Rrahmani)
Hakan Calhanoglu (Assist: Alessandro Bastoni)		43'

2nd half

Hakan Calhanoglu		74'
Denzel Dumfries		80'

Match statistic

53

Possession %

47

13

Total shots

5

4

Shots on target

2

4

Shots off target

2

5

Blocked shots

1

4

Corners

2

3

Offsides

1

15

Fouls

12

Inter

Napoli

Starting lineups

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

95

Alessandro Bastoni

Defender

89'

28

Benjamin Pavard

Defender

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

82'

15

Francesco Acerbi

Defender

2

Denzel Dumfries

Midfielder

20

Hakan Calhanoglu

Midfielder

82'

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

10

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

89'

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

82'

1

Alex Meret

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

13

Amir Rrahmani

Defender

22

Giovanni Di Lorenzo

Defender

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

99

Frank Anguissa

Midfielder

6

Billy Gilmour

Midfielder

60'

8

Scott McTominay

Midfielder

77

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Attacker

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

84'

11

Romelu Lukaku

Attacker

77'

Substitutes

21

Kristjan Asllani

Midfielder

16

Davide Frattesi

Midfielder

11

Joaquín Correa

Attacker

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

17

Tajon Buchanan

Attacker

12

Raffaele Di Gennaro

Goalkeeper

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

42

Tomas Palacios

Defender

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

82'

36

Matteo Darmian

Defender

82'

99

Mehdi Taremi

Attacker

82'

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

89'

8

Marko Arnautovic

Attacker

89'

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

5

Juan Jesus

Defender

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

81

Giacomo Raspadori

Attacker

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

23

Alessio Zerbin

Attacker

7

David Neres

Attacker

25

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

16

Rafa Marín

Defender

68

Stanislav Lobotka

Midfielder

60'

18

Giovanni Simeone

Attacker

77'

26

Cyril Ngonge

Attacker

84'

Inter fans are not expected to give a friendly welcome to Romelu Lukaku tonight as Sky Sport Italia highlights a question the Belgian star has ‘never replied to.’

Lukaku will return to San Siro tonight when his Napoli side visit second-placed Inter.

A former Inter striker, Lukaku spent three seasons with the Nerazzurri. First between 2019 and 2021 and then in 2022-23, when he returned to the club on loan from Chelsea.

Inter were about to secure his signature on a permanent transfer from the Blues in the summer of 2023, but the striker surprisingly refused to finalise the deal, upsetting the club and some of his former teammates.

Lukaku didn’t even reply to phone calls from some of his ex-friends, such as Lautaro Martinez, but why he did so was never entirely clarified.

“It’s a question he never replied to,” Sky Sport journalist Matteo Barzaghi said live on TV on Sunday, hours before the kick-off at San Siro.

“Lukaku was a team leader and was on excellent terms with some players, so the most surprising thing was that he never explained his decision to some of his friends and didn’t pick up the phone, as Lautaro Martinez confirmed. They used to be friends, but they [Inter players] were left disappointed, so their relationship is nonexistent now.”

Inter fans are not expected to give their ex-striker a warm welcome this evening but have not prepared anything like last season when they brought thousands of whistles to the stadium when Lukaku returned with his former club, Roma.

Football Italia will be among the accredited media at San Siro tonight. The Football Italia Live Blog will provide live updates from the big match in Serie A Round 12.

Fabio Capello believes Inter coach Simone Inzaghi was ‘wise’ to keep his stars Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco ‘fresh’ for his side’s home meeting with Napoli, as the two will be involved in a key ‘duel’ during the clash.

Both Bastoni and Dimarco started Inter’s Champions League game against Arsenal on the bench mid-week, and Capello thinks it was important to spare them from the ‘workload’ required by limiting ‘a tough opponent like Bukayo Saka’.

The two players will start against Antonio Conte’s side, who will deploy Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Matteo Politano on that same flank and such a battle could mark the course of the game.

Capello: Inzaghi ‘wise’, Kvaratskhelia ‘unpredictable’, Inter-Napoli key duel

“Conte has had a week of training to prepare his Napoli’s strategy, while Inzaghi hasn’t had that luxury,” the former Milan and Juventus manager wrote for La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“However, he [Inzaghi] was very wise because, against Arsenal, he rested Bastoni and Dimarco, sparing Inter’s left side from a tough opponent like Saka. That additional workload could have weighed down the pair for the Napoli clash, but now Bastoni and Dimarco will be fresh for tonight’s encounter.

“On that side, the duel with Di Lorenzo and Politano will be one of the factors that can light up the game. In particular, the two Italian national team full-backs are a potentially lethal weapon for breaking down opposing defences, but they struggle when they need to defend.

“On paper, Inter has a slight advantage because they defend with five, and Dimarco is more protected compared to Di Lorenzo, who plays in a four-man defence and is therefore more exposed in one-on-one situations.

“At the San Siro, he’ll have more than one reason to worry about – in addition to Dimarco’s offensive push and Bastoni’s build-up play, there will be Mkhitaryan’s runs, as he also only entered in the second half against Arsenal.”

However, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s fantasy could be Napoli’s own ‘trump card’ according to Capello, although the Georgia international will be opposed to in-form Denzel Dumfries.

“On the other side, Napoli will play their trump card by relying on Kvara’s creativity,” Capello explained.

“The Georgian forward is unpredictable and can provide goals and assists; he can strike at any moment. He’ll likely face Dumfries and won’t have an easy time: the Dutchman is in great shape and can counter Kvara’s moves with speed and physicality.

“Beyond the one-on-ones, though, Inter will need to be solid, compact, and focused.”

Capello believes Conte faces ‘risks’ against Inter’s attack

Hakan Calhanoglu has fully recovered from injury and will start his first Serie A game since returning from injury, an addition that Capello defines ‘crucial’ and will help Inter defend better than they did recently without the Turkey internationa.

“Calha is crucial for the way he coordinates the rest of the team on the field, guiding his teammates in their positioning,” the former coach added.

“That’s why I believe that defending will be less complex for Inter than it was, for example, in the Italian derby against Juventus.”

Strikers will always be extremely influential for the two teams’ strategy, with former Nerazzurri player Romelu Lukaku set to return to a hostile San Siro, but Capello also underlines the importance of set pieces.

“Conte is the coach who faces more risks: stopping Thuram is a complicated task, especially in this season, where the Frenchman has also improved his finishing,” he wrote.

“His greatest asset remains his ability to make the entire Inter team move every time he receives the ball in stride: with a single touch, he can create, open spaces for teammates (especially Lautaro, of course), and break the opposition’s marking.

“Napoli will rely on Lukaku, the ideal attacking reference for Conte’s style because he can hold up play when he receives the ball in transition.

“The point is that the Lukaku we’re currently seeing doesn’t always manage to do it: if the Belgian shows up as he did at San Siro against Milan — a game in which he also scored — Napoli can challenge Inter’s defence. And Acerbi will have his fair share of work to do.

“From corners and free kicks, Inter has the means to strike: Inzaghi knows he can count on excellent headers, great specialists like Calhanoglu and Dimarco, and players who can capitalise on loose balls for shots from distance or well-timed runs, such as Barella.

“Maintaining focus is crucial, as every break, even a small one, can decide the match. And a piece of the championship.”

Juventus coach Thiago Motta is unsure about watching this evening’s big match between Inter and Napoli and is delighted with Manuel Locatelli’s performances despite Italy’s snub.

Football Italia attended Motta’s post-match press conference at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday night after a 2-0 win over Torino in the derby della Mole.

Locatelli was one of the best players on the pitch. The Italian midfielder has been a regular starter in Turin but hasn’t been called up by Italy’s national team since last summer’s Euros.

Motta unsure about watching Inter-Napoli, won’t discuss Locatelli Italy snub

Motta said he didn’t talk to Spalletti about his choices.

“He doesn’t need to talk to me. He knows Manu well, and I won’t discuss the national team decisions,” said the Bianconeri boss.

“I can only speak about Locatelli at Juventus, and I am happy with the moment he’s having and how he helps on and off the pitch. His commitment has been outstanding since day one.”

In recent games, Khephren Thuram and Teun Koopmeiners have started with Locatelli, so Motta seems to have found his starting central midfielders.

“Right now, they are all fit,” he admitted.

“Thuram has entered with great footballing intelligence. They are three key players in the team. The movements change sometimes, and I hope they can raise the bar further. We have other players like Douglas Luiz, Fagioli, Adzic and McKennie. Personally, I really like midfielders. It all starts from them.”

• Read more – Thiago Motta ‘satisfied with result and performance’ for Juventus

Juventus’ next opponent after the international break is Milan. The Rossoneri beat Real Madrid in the Champions League but were also held to a 3-3 draw by Cagliari on Saturday.

“This is what football is about. There is massive competition at the moment,” Motta argued.

“Milan have a great coach, and there’s great respect for him and his staff. We’ll prepare the game at our best against a top team when the moment comes.”

Juventus are level on 24 points with Inter and just one below leaders Napoli. Partenopei and Nerazzurri meet at San Siro this evening. Will Motta watch the big match or Jannik Sinner play in the ATP Finals in Turin?

“I don’t know,” Motta replied, smiling.

“I like Sinner because my daughters watch him. They play tennis and want to meet him, but I don’t know him personally, so I don’t know how to do it. Let’s see tomorrow; perhaps I’ll use two screens.”