Edin Dzeko’s header has blown the Scudetto race wide open, as Inter ended Napoli’s unbeaten Serie A record and the lead at the top has been cut to five points from Milan.
This was a real last chance saloon for the Nerazzurri, who started 2023 already 11 points off the leaders. Marcelo Brozovic was injured and Lautaro Martinez not risked after winning the World Cup, but Romelu Lukaku had his first start since August 26. The Partenopei had a full squad to choose from and ended 2022 with a run of 11 consecutive Serie A victories, leaving them as the only unbeaten side in Europe’s top five leagues.
It was a very aggressive start from the hosts, as Kim Min-jae tracked back for a decisive tackle on Lukaku going clear, then Federico Dimarco somehow fired over from point-blank range at the far post from the Belgian’s assist.
Matteo Darmian wasted a huge opportunity too, turning over from 12 yards after Edin Dzeko laid off a Lukaku pull-back from the by-line.
Napoli also made a mistake with Piotr Zielinski scuffing wide from the edge of the area, but Inter were more ineffective in front of goal as Lukaku fired over when sent through by a sensational Nicolò Barella back-heel flick assist.
Victor Osimhen had a very promising opportunity in the second half when chesting down a floated cross, but Hakan Calhanoglu managed to do just about enough to prevent the finish from six yards.
Inter took a deserved lead when Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s cross-field pass released Dimarco down the left and he whipped in the cross for Dzeko’s header from four yards. The Bosnian veteran’s positioning was ideal, surprising Amir Rrahmani.
Kvicha Kvaratskhelia dribbled through defenders only to hit the side-netting, while low crosses were just beyond Osimhen and then Hirving Lozano.
Andre Onana made an instinctive save using his chest and shoulder on Giacomo Raspadori’s strike from 12 yards in the final minute, as Inter resisted under siege.
Inter 1-0 Napoli
Dzeko 56 (I)
Raspadory has paid of what he said more fear to AC Milan than Inter.
Forza INTER