Player Injuries Thwart Inter Milan's Victory Against Napoli

JAKARTA - Inter Milan failed to defend their victory and were only able to draw 1-1 against Napoli in the big match Serie A Italy at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Sunday, March 2, 2025 in the morning WIB. Coach Simone Inzaghi said the player's injury resulted in Inter losing their chance of winning in an away match.

Inter were unable to field the best squad because some players still had not recovered from injury when they visited Napoli's headquarters. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer has not recovered from injury so Inzaghi has again relied on Josep Martinez. In addition defender Matteo Darmian and midfielder duo Carlos Augusto and Nicola Zalewski cannot perform.

In that match, Inter then lost Federico Dimarco and Hakan Calhanoglu. Dimarco, who scored and put Inter ahead, was forced to be pulled out when the second half had only been running for six minutes because they could no longer continue the match.

With the unequal condition, Inter failed to maintain the lead. However, Martinez's goal only conceded when the game was over.

"It must be admitted that we are in an emergency situation. Dimarco and Calhanoglu have actually asked to be replaced after the first half was over," said Inzaghi.

"They tried to stay for a while, but both of them couldn't run well because of the injuries they suffered. They had done their best when facing an exhaustive team and were growing in the second half," he said again.

However, Inzaghi said that if Inter should have picked up better results than playing a draw. "Despite the goal that equalized, we should have played better. We will evaluate and analyze this match," said Inzaghi.

The draw did not change the position of the two teams that competed fiercely for the top position of the standings. Inter are still perched at the top after pocketing 58 points. A one-point lead with Napoli who are ranked second.

Meanwhile, Atalanta, who drew 0-0 against Venezia, remained in third place. They pocketed 55 points so they still maintain competition with the two teams above them. Not only Atalanta, Inzaghi also still takes into account Juventus (49) and Lazio (47) who are in fourth and fifth place.

"The competition for the title is still open. Lazio and Juventus must still be taken into account. However, I believe in our abilities and opportunities," said Inzaghi.

The match itself is a draw. The two teams both played openly. Napoli coach Antonio Conte hopes to win the big game in order to win the top spot.

Only that hope was disrupted when Dimarco successfully silenced the host's supporters after his free kick broke into Alex Meret's goal in the 22nd minute.

The beautiful free-kick crossed the Napoli player's fence and slid swiftly into the top corner of the net. It just stood there for being late in reaction and watching the ball rip through the net.

After trailing 1-0, Napoli tried to increase pressure to equalize. Striker Romelu Lukaku had a chance to score. But his effort still failed.

Furthermore, Giacomo Raspadori had passed goalkeeper Martinez. It's just that his shot was still wide. He also opened up opportunities for Lukaku to score. However, Alessandro Bastoni thwarted the kick of the former Chelsea striker. The superiority of one Inter goal lasted until the first half was over.

In the second half, Napoli played more aggressively. Midfielder Stanislav Lobotka got his first chance to equalize the score after collaborating with one or two with Lukaku.

Unfortunately, his efforts have yet to come to fruition. Likewise, the efforts of Scott McTominay were thwarted by Martinez.

After repeatedly failing, Napoli were finally able to break into the Inter goal. Substitute Philip Billing who was recruited from Bournemouth saved Napoli from defeat.

Billing, who made his debut when Napoli lost 2-1 against Como 1907, fired an Inter goal. But his effort was blocked with Martinez's foot. The rebound ball was immediately grabbed by this Danish player.

Billing's goal was created in the 87th minute. Only there was no additional goal from the two teams so that the 1-1 draw lasted until the game was over.