Inter's 11 Winning Streak Ends In Naples, Conte: Napoli Playing At Full Strength

Antonio Conte (Twitter @inter)

JAKARTA - Inter only drew 1-1 with Napoli in the Italian Serie A continued on Sunday, April 18 evening. Coach Antonio Conte insisted, it was the best result that could not be obtained in the past.

The Nerazzurri's 11th straight wins ended and the lead over AC Milan at the top was cut from 11 points to nine. However, they are still getting closer to the Scudetto.

After the match, Conte spoke sourly to Sky Sport Italia when asked which players would be recruited to improve Inter's squad next season.

"Right now, what we need to do is concentrate. We don't know what's going to happen, what's the plan, we don't know anything, "said the coach.

"So, talking about the transfer market is meaningless now. I am very happy and proud of this team, which has improved greatly in every way. "

According to Antara, Inter almost opened the scoring in the 28th minute, when a Marcelo Brozovic shot, which Romelu Lukaku tried to deflect, sent the ball hitting the crossbar.

In the 36th minute, it was Napoli who took the lead over Inter when goalkeeper Samir Handanovic was late for Lorenzo Insigne's cross and got the ball into it before settling into his own net.

Inter had the chance to hit back three minutes later, but Lukaku's header from Christian Eriksen's free kick still hit the post and Stefan de Vrij failed to take advantage of the throwing ball, who fired too hard.

Late in the first half, Lorenzo Martinez sent a neat through ball into the Napoli box, but Nicolo Barella's touch was too heavy and goalkeeper Alex Meret had a resounding reaction to clear the danger.

Inter's hard work only paid off in the 55th minute when Napoli's poor defensive sweep was met with Eriksen's accurate shot which overpowered Meret and drew 1-1.

Napoli have a golden opportunity to restore their advantage in the 64th minute, unfortunately Giovanni Di Lorenzo's bait failed to be reached by Fabian Ruiz at the near post area.

Seven minutes from time, Pioter Zielinski fell into the box after De Vrij had tackled the ball and referee Daniele Doveri initially pointed to the spot, but overturned his decision after consulting VAR and reviewing replays on the sidelines.

After that there was no meaningful chance created and the score 1-1 lasted until the whistle sounded the sign of the dispersal.

❌ | FISCHIO FINALEUna rete e un punto a testa al "Diego Armando Maradona" 🤜🤛 # NapoliInter 1⃣-1⃣⚽️ #Handanovic aut. (36 ') ⚽️ #Eriksen (55') ⚫️🔵 #FORZAINTER ⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/5bVCvQQlNx

- Inter (@Inter) April 18, 2021

"Don't forget, Napoli played with full strength tonight and I realize they are one of the favorites for the Scudetto this season," concluded Conte.

In the next match, Inter will visit Spezia's headquarters while Napoli host Lazio a day later.