Online bookmakers seem to believe this match will finish all square and have, therefore, slashed the odds on draw. However, since it appears that both Napoli and Inter will keep their place in the standings regardless of the outcome of this match, I believe that this game will be played fair and square.

Napoli struggling under pressure

Napoli have done remarkably well this season with their Champions League qualification truly an amazing feat. However, the Partenopei proved they are still not ready to match the best sides in the league, having recorded double defeats to Milan and Udinese, while also losing to Lazio once. The latest run of three defeats in four games didn’t cost them the Champions League place, but it created a poor atmosphere in the squad, with Walter Mazzarri’s potential departure only making things worse. The home fans are expected to use this game in order to protest against the club management for not tying down Walter Mazzarri, which is going to make it even more difficult for the players to show all they’ve got. With Edison Cavani suspended following the red card he received in the defeat to Lecce, things don’t look too promising for the Partenopei.

Giuseppe Mascara and Edison Cavani are banned, while Gianluca Grava is a long-term casualty.

Inter back in business

It looked as though the Champions League elimination and dropping out of the Serie A title race will destabilize Inter, but the Neroazzurri have proved their credentials by not only qualifying for the Coppa Italia final but by winning three straight games in Serie A to cement the second place in the standings. With two more league games to be played before Inter face Palermo in the Coppa Italia final, there is no doubt that Leonardo’s side will be looking to keep their spirits high by continuing the great league run and they now have a great chance to beat out-of-form Napoli. Inter coped really well with the absence of Wesley Sneijder, whose return from injury is taking much longer than expected, so we have no reason to believe that the Dutchman will be sorely missed at San Paolo.

Besides Wesley Sneijder, Dejan Stankovic and Ivan Cordoba are also missing out through injury.

Verdict

Napoli are in all sorts of problems at the moment and their poor record against top sides only adds to the worries. Inter, on the other hand, are in great form at the moment and I believe they will prove the bookies wrong and win this game. Since this is Italy we are talking about, you should back Inter at level ball handicap, with your stake set to be refunded if the game ends in draw.

Our prediction: Inter with 0:0 Asian handicap

Odds: 2.00 (1/1)

Bookmaker: Bet365