Calhanoglu claims point for Inter as Napoli consolidate top spot

Napoli moved one point clear at the top of the Serie A table, holding reigning champions Internazionale to a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

Scott McTominay put Napoli ahead, before a rocket from Hakan Calhanoglu brought Inter level at the end of the first half. The Turkish midfielder spurned a glorious chance to win all three points in the second half, striking the woodwork from the penalty spot.

The Turkey international had scored all 19 of his previous penalties, including the winner from the spot against Arsenal in midweek, but was unable to capitalise this time round.

Calhanoglu sent the home crowd into a frenzy with an excellent equaliser at the end of the first half, launching a great strike into the top corner from just outside of the box.

McTominay had put the visitors ahead early in the first half, poking the ball past Yann Sommer after the ball was flicked into his path from a corner.

The Scotland international stunned the San Siro crowd and Inter, who seemed to improve after Napoli had taken the lead.

Simone Inzaghi’s side dominated an intense battle between two excellent sides, but sit fourth and one point behind Napoli going into the international break.

Napoli stay at the top of the league and a point above every team from second to fifth place, who have all amassed 25 points from the opening 12 games.

Talking Point – Napoli still lead Serie A title race

Antonio Conte’s side go into the international break at the top of the table after a gritty draw.

Napoli made themselves hard to break down and continued their excellent start to the season, picking up 26 points from a possible 36.

Despite Napoli’s success so far, four teams remain in hot pursuit, with Atalanta, Fiorentina, Inter and Lazio all sitting on 25 points.

It looks like the title could be anyone’s come the end of the season.

Conte dà disposizioni ai suoi durante Inter-Napoli – Serie A 2024/2025

Image credit: Getty Images

Player of the match – Francesco Acerbi (Inter)

The experienced defender barely put a foot wrong against one of the league’s best strikers in Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian striker was not able to impact the game at all, as he continued to lose tussle after tussle against the excellent Acerbi.

Inter have struggled defensively this season compared to last, but they defended well against an in-form Napoli side.

Player Ratings

Inter: Sommer 6, Pavard 6, Acerbi 9, Bastoni 6, Dumfries 5, Barella 6, Calhanoglu 6, Mkhitaryan 5, Di Marco 4, Thuram 3, Martinez 4. Subs: Darmian 5, Zielinski 5, Taremi 4, De Vrij N/A, Arnautovic N/A.

Napoli: Meret 6, Di Lorenzo 5, Rrahmani 7, Buongiorno 7, Olivera 6, Anguissa 6, Gilmour 4, McTominay 8, Politano 6, Lukaku 3, Kvaratskhelia 5. Subs: Lobotka 6, Simeone 4, Ngonge 6.

Match Highlights

23’ NAPOLI GOAL! INTER 0-1 NAPOLI (MCTOMINAY)

Wow, wow, wow! The crowd are stunned as McTominay puts the visitors ahead. The ball is flicked on from a corner and the former United midfielder latches on to the ball and pokes home past Sommer.

37’ NAPOLI CHANCE. INTER 0-1 NAPOLI

Napoli are almost two ahead! Lukaku picks up the ball and charges at the Inter defence, before playing the ball through to Kvaratskhelia, but Acerbi makes a great tackle as the Georgia international went to strike the ball.

43’ INTER GOAL! INTER 1-1 NAPOLI (CALHANOGLU)

What a strike from the Turkish talisman! Gilmour is slow to close down Calhanoglu just outside the box and the midfielder unleashes a powerful strike that flies into the top corner.

52’INTER STRIKE THE POST! INTER 1-1 NAPOLI

Di Marco hits the post with an excellent low strike from the edge of the box. Inter are really starting to gain momentum here.

72’ INTER PENALTY! INTER 1-1 NAPOLI

Dumfries is brought down in the box by Anguissa and the referee points to the spot immediately. The visiting side are absolutely furious with the decision as VAR takes a look, but it does seem that Dumfries was caught by the Napoli midfielder.

74’ MISSED PENALTY! INTER 1-1 NAPOLI

Wow! Calhanoglu misses his first penalty for Inter. The Turkish midfielder had scored all 19 of his previous penalties for the hosts, but his effort this time struck the post and came back out.

90+4’HUGE NAPOLI CHANCE! INTER 1-1 NAPOLI

Napoli nearly win it at the death! Ngonge picks out Simeone in the area, but he fires just wide! He should have done better there.

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