Napoli defended their lead in the top game, but also benefited from Calhanoglu’s misfortune from eleven meters in the 1:1 draw against Inter.
“Save the best for last”: This well-known saying applied to the 12th matchday of the Serie A. Because it was decided by the champions Inter in the home game against the Neapolitans, who went into the matchday as leaders, in the duel for the top position.
The Nerazzurri, who made six changes to the team that beat Arsenal 1-0 in the Champions League (Acerbi, Bastoni, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco and Thuram started in place of de Vrij, Bisseck, Frattesi, Zielinski, Darmian and Taremi), were the dominant team from the kick-off. They tried to play the ball wide with diagonal balls, among other things, against the deep-lying Partenopei. Despite their efforts, Inter did not pose any real danger.
McTominay is in the right place
The guests, in which Antonio Conte made no changes despite the 3-0 defeat to Atalanta Bergamo, played with more purpose. Kvaratskhelia came close in the 15th minute on the first attack. The opportunity arose from a cross from former Milan man Lukaku, who was booed by the home fans every time he touched the ball. After Buongiorno had made a last-ditch tackle inside his own box (16′), the SSC made its second chance count. McTominay was in the right place for a corner in the box (23′).
Milan, meanwhile, continued to struggle. When Acerbi, who had advanced upfield, missed the chance to equalize (40′), it looked as though the half would end 0-1. But Calhanoglu had other ideas: Meret could only direct his fluttering shot into the net (43′).
The second half almost began as the first ended – with the home side scoring. However, Martinez’s back-heeled shot was saved by Olivera (48) and Dimarco’s long-range shot flew just wide of the post (52). The two teams then cancelled each other out for about fifteen minutes before the Nerazzurri stepped up the pressure again.
Simeone almost turns the game completely on its head
But the goal still didn’t come. Meret saved attempts from Dimarco (68′) and Barella (78′), and in between, Calhanoglu hammered a penalty, awarded for a foul by Zambo Anguissa on Dumfries, against the post. Instead of being celebrated, the former Bundesliga player was the tragic hero. Naples almost turned the game completely on its head. Since Simeone only just missed the target on the last attack (90.+4), Inter “at least” still retained a point in Milan.
The Partenopei defended the narrow top group with the 1:1. Sixth-placed Juventus Turin is only two points behind the leader. Meanwhile, Inter are in fourth place with one point less than Napoli.
After the international break, Inter Milan face Hellas Verona on November 23 (3 p.m.). The following day, SSC Napoli host AS Roma in the Derby del Sole at 6 p.m.