The 2024–25 Serie A season has reached its dramatic climax, featuring a fierce, tense, and perhaps unpredictable duel: Napoli vs Inter, Antonio Conte vs Simone Inzaghi, South vs North, two contrasting football philosophies, but only one winner. After 37 matchdays, Napoli sit atop the Serie A table with 79 points, with Inter just behind at 78. Both sides drew in their most recent matches, keeping the gap unchanged. On Friday at 8:45 PM, the curtain falls and an entire season will be decided on two pitches, simultaneously: one at the Maradona’s home in Naples, the other at the Sinigaglia in Como.
A missed opportunity for both
Parma-Napoli 0-0: match point tension. At the Tardini, Napoli missed a huge chance. The goalless draw against a deeply defensive Parma side still fighting for survival left a bitter taste for Conte’s men. They held onto top spot, but failed to seal the title.
The team struggled to create chances, with Lukaku too isolated and well-contained by the home defence. Despite having 72% possession and taking 7 shots in total, only two were on target.
Frustration and regrets
Inter also squandered a golden opportunity. At San Siro, facing a Lazio side determined to leave with at least a point in their hunt for European qualification, the Nerazzurri went ahead through Bisseck from a corner. Everything seemed on track, but after coming off the bench, Pedro equalized in the 74th minute. Dumfries restored the lead with a header, but Baroni’s Lazio who’ve shown resilience all season were awarded a last-minute penalty, which Pedro coolly converted.
Simone Inzaghi’s furious outburst towards referee Chiffi reportedly led to Inter’s media silence after the 2–2 draw. Club officials are said to have kept him in the dressing room for an hour trying to calm him down and prevent him from confronting the officials.
A tactical duel
Antonio Conte and Simone Inzaghi. The former is a general, a battle-hardened leader full of bold declarations and gritty wins; the latter, a polished manager who’s turned Inter into a well-oiled, dominant machine. Yet, with just 90 minutes left in the season, it’s Conte’s Napoli who hold a one-point lead.
The two coaches have waged a subtle but constant tactical battle throughout the year — trading barbs, managing injuries, and applying different football philosophies. Conte focused on defensive solidity and physical intensity. Inzaghi bet on ball possession and fluid collective play. The result has been a gripping head-to-head, where every tiny detail could be decisive.
An near masterpiece
At the beginning of the season, few would’ve bet on Napoli in the title race. Most had Inter or even Juventus as clear favorites. And yet, Antonio Conte deserves immense credit for his remarkable work. It’s worth noting his Napoli weren’t playing in European competitions.
Despite selling star player Kvaratskhelia and undergoing a decent but not standout summer overhaul, Conte has shaped a new, pragmatic, and hungry team.
The midfield has been the heartbeat of this project. Lobotka directed play with composure, Anguissa brought power and late runs, and new signing McTominay from Manchester United added muscle and goals, scoring 11 times.
At the back, former Torino man Alessandro Buongiorno has become the leader of Serie A’s most solid defence, with just 27 goals conceded.Up front? Romelu Lukaku, of course, rediscovered, wanted, and revitalized in Conte’s system. With 13 league goals, the Belgian striker has been decisive in key moments, once again becoming the dominant frontman who had previously wowed Milan under Conte’s guidance at Inter.
Inter’s rollercoaster season
For much of the season, Inter looked destined to win the title with weeks to spare. Inzaghi’s team showed quality, depth, and superb squad rotation. But something broke down in recent weeks: a mix of unexpected draws, surprise defeats, and visible fatigue.
Now, Inter must win away at Como and hope for a stunning Napoli slip-up at home to bring the Scudetto back to Milan. It’s a tough task, but not impossible.
Key stats head to head
Napoli
- 23 wins, 10 draws, 4 losses
- 57 goals scored, 27 conceded
- 18 clean sheets
- Top scorer: Romelu Lukaku (13 goals)
- Lobotka: highest passing accuracy (91% average)
- Points per game: 2.14
Inter
- 23 wins, 9 draws, 5 losses
- 77 goals scored, 35 conceded
- Top scorer: Marcus Thuram (14 goals)
- Best attack in Serie A
- Best goal difference: +42 (tied with Atalanta)
- Points per game: 2.11
The decisive fixtures
On the final matchday, Napoli will face Nicola’s Cagliari, already safe, but keen to end the season with pride. The Sardinians are under no pressure, but certainly won’t step aside easily. Conte knows that and has already worked to maintain laser focus within his squad.
Inter, meanwhile, face a trickier challenge away to Como, a side that’s shown character and quality, particularly at home. The Larians won’t roll over, especially with the chance to close the season against one of Italy’s giants. Inzaghi must now rely on his team’s hunger to bounce back after the painful collapse against Lazio.
The final sprint
Looking at the numbers and fixtures, Napoli start as slight favourites. The extra point, the home advantage, and a less motivated opponent all work in their favour. But recent Italian football history reminds us that nothing is guaranteed on the final day, especially when nerves, pressure, and emotion come into play.
Inter have the experience of past success; Napoli, the hunger of a club aiming to return to glory just two years after Spalletti’s triumph. Friday will be a day of passion for Naples and Milan alike. Two cities on edge, millions of fans holding their breath. Only one side will go to sleep with the Scudetto stitched onto their chest.
At 8:45 PM, the stage will be lit. Then, as always, the pitch will decide the outcome.