Manchester in Naples – De Bruyne and McTominay fuel Napoli's engine against Inter

If any coach is known for psychological preparation and player motivation, it’s Antonio Conte. And if any teams are capable of bouncing back from a historic disaster in just a few days, it’s his teams! After the debacle in Eindhoven, Napoli switched into “championship mode,” crushed Inter at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, and claimed first place in Serie A with a 3–1 (1–0) victory.

Cristian Chivu’s side was completely disappointing. After a confident win over Roma last weekend, and especially following their convincing Champions League triumph against Saint-Etienne, nobody expected such helplessness at the foot of Vesuvius.

The Nerazzurri had their chances and tried to sway the game in their favor, but they faltered when the outcome was being decided. Their performance wasn’t helped even by two rather “thin” penalties — particularly the one awarded to Napoli in the 33rd minute, following light contact between Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

Things were somewhat “leveled” in the 59th minute when Alessandro Bordjono handled the ball in his own area after a header from Martinez. Kevin De Bruyne calmly converted the spot-kick for Napoli (the goal is HERE), but the brilliant Belgian immediately grabbed the back of his leg and had to leave the field; it’s very likely we won’t see him play for the next month.

Shortly after the foul on Di Lorenzo, Mkhitaryan was injured, leaving the match in Naples without two top-class players in less than a minute. Still, the game was far from lacking in pace or skill.

Perhaps the greatest display of mastery came from Scott McTominay’s GOAL in the 54th minute. The Scotsman showed why Napoli fans adore him so much, brilliantly initiating and finishing his team’s counterattack. He expertly controlled Leonardo Spinazzola’s through ball and unleashed a half-volley rocket into the far corner of Inter’s goal.

Still, the key figure on the pitch throughout the match, in terms of energy and drive, was Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. The Cameroonian midfielder not only won a large number of duels against the opposing midfielders but was also directly involved in two of Conte’s team goals. The goal is HERE!

Before the penalty, he cleverly set up Di Lorenzo with a backheel, and he crowned his excellent performance in the 66th minute. Inter’s defense looked incredibly naïve as Anguissa played a one-two with Neres some 40 meters from the visitors’ goal, stormed past two Nerazzurri players, outmaneuvered Dumfries, and then caught Zomer off guard. It’s no exaggeration to say that the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium erupted in sheer delight at that moment.

SERIE A - MATCHDAY 8

Friday

Milan - Pisa 2-2 (1-0)

/Leao 7, Athekame 90+3 - Cuadrado 60 pen, Nzola 86/

Saturday

Parma - Como 0-0

Udinese - Lecce 3-2 (2-0)

/Karlstrom 16, Davis 37, Buksa 89 - Berisha 59, N'Dri 90+6/

Napoli - Inter 3-1 (1-0)

/De Bruyne 33 pen, McTominay 54, Anguissa 67 - Calhanoglu 59/

21.45: (5.60) Cremonese (3.70) Atalanta (1.65)

Sunday

14.30: (2.30) Torino (3.10) Genoa (3.40)

17.00: (4.20) Sassuolo (3.45) Roma (1.90)

17.00: (2.35) Verona (3.10) Cagliari (3.30)

19.00: (2.70) Fiorentina (3.05) Bologna (2.80)

22.45: (3.30) Lazio (3.25) Juventus (2.40)

***odds are subject to change***