The Nerazzurri, fresh off a six-game winning streak and sitting pretty at the summit, looked set to extend their lead over rivals when Federico Dimarco fired them ahead after just nine minutes. Marcus Thuram raced through and teed up the full-back, who rifled a low shot into the bottom corner for a dream start.
But defending champions Napoli, despite arriving with a lengthy injury list including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, refused to wilt under Antonio Conte's bold instructions. The visitors equalized in the 26th minute through Scott McTominay, who latched onto an Eljif Elmas cut-back to slot home from close range – his first of the evening.
Inter regained the lead in the second half when Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted a 73rd-minute penalty, but McTominay struck again in the 81st minute with a clinical close-range volley to secure a vital point for the Partenopei. The draw means Inter remain three points clear of AC Milan, while Napoli climb to third, level on points with Roma and just four behind the leaders.
Key Moments That Had Fans Buzzing:
- Dimarco's rocket gave Inter the perfect platform, showcasing their blistering start under coach Cristian Chivu.
- McTominay's double turned the former Manchester United man into the hero for Napoli, proving once again his knack for big games against Inter (he also scored in the reverse fixture earlier this season).
- The penalty and late equalizer kept the drama alive right until the final whistle, with both sides pushing for a winner in stoppage time.
Inter dominated possession (around 49-51%) and created more chances, but Napoli's resilience and tactical discipline – maintaining a high press despite absences – earned them plaudits. The result extends Inter's winless run against Napoli in recent meetings (now five without a victory) and highlights the champions' never-say-die spirit.
Post-match reactions poured in, with Inter's Dimarco admitting "rammarico" (regret) but praising Napoli as "a very strong team" that demands improvement from his side. For Napoli, the point feels like a moral victory, keeping them firmly in the Scudetto hunt midway through the season.
This blockbuster draw serves as a reminder: in this fiercely competitive 2025-26 Serie A campaign, no lead is safe, and no deficit is insurmountable. With Inter facing tough upcoming tests and Napoli showing they can match the best even when depleted, the race for the title promises more twists and turns.
Who will blink first? Buckle up – the Scudetto battle is far from over! Forza calcio!