Prediction: Inter Milan vs Napoli

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 13/5

Bookmaker: bet365

We’re getting down to the nitty gritty of many cup competitions all across European football and that includes over in Italy with the Coppa Italia. The prestigious tournament is down to the final four, and while Juventus vs AC Milan may be an enticing affair waiting to happen, we’re going to be looking at Inter Milan vs Napoli. The two juggernauts will be taking part in a two-legged showdown for the right to reach the final with the first leg taking place later this week at the San Siro.

Inter Milan

It’s been a busy campaign already for Inter Milan as they go in search of their first Serie A title in what feels like forever. In the Coppa Italia, meanwhile, they were able to hit the ground running upon being introduced at the Round of 16 stage of proceedings. They tore through Cagliari with an efficient 4-1 victory, setting themselves up for a quarter-final showdown with Fiorentina. They had to give everything they had but eventually, they pulled out the 2-1 win to set up the meeting with Napoli.

Team News

The expectation is that Gagliardini and Handanovic are going to be doubts for this game but aside from that, Conte should have a fairly fit squad to play with.

Napoli

Napoli are struggling in a big way right now over in Serie A as they continue to linger around midtable less than a year after being viewed as title contenders. Thankfully for their fans they’ve been able to bask in the glory of the distraction that is the Coppa Italia. They also entered the tournament in the Round of 16, and they quickly made light work of Perugia with a confident and composed 2-0 win. They then came up against Lazio in the quarter-finals, and despite both teams picking up a red card, it was Lorenzo Insigne’s second minute strike that proved to be the difference maker.

Team News

Ghoulam and Malcuit are out injured and will miss the first leg as Napoli prepare to put out their full strength starting XI for the trip to Milan.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in January, Inter Milan beat Napoli 3-1.
• Inter Milan have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Napoli have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Inter Milan have scored 14 goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Napoli have scored 11 goals and conceded eight in their last six games.

Conclusion

The first leg of any two-legged tie is always going to be a little bit tense – and even that might be putting things lightly. We’re expecting a really hard hitting affair between two of Italian football’s finest, with both knowing a win here would set up a date with either AC Milan or Juventus. We think both teams will get on the scoresheet but probably won’t do a whole lot beyond that, setting us up for a tense second leg in Naples.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 13/5

Bookmaker: bet365