Derby Day Duel: Inter vs Napoli in a Decisive Serie A Showdown
11 January 2026
Match Preview
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Kevo announced the expected lineup for the eagerly awaited derby against Napoli, set to take place tonight at Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, in the 20th round of Serie A. The clash pits two Italian giants against each other with a sharp eye on the league table and a crowd hungry for drama.
The preview highlights Inter’s typical starting XI with goalkeeper Somer, a backline featuring Bisic, Akanji and Bastoni, a midfield trio including Barella, Calhanoglu and Zielinski with Dimarco providing width, and a front tandem of Lautaro Martinez and Thuram. Napoli, meanwhile, will attempt to spark their attack through Elmas to complete a dangerous front three, while Dovid Neres remains sidelined by injury.
Napoli line up with Milenkovic-Savic in goal; a defensive trio of Bukima, Rrahmani and Juan Jesus; a midfield quartet of De Lorenzo, Lobotka, Makotominai and Spinazzola; and a front line consisting of Politano, Hojlund and Elmas. The match sits at the summit of Italian football’s current narrative, a true title race chapter awaiting its next page.
Inter currently sits atop Serie A with 42 points, while Napoli sit fourth with 38. A win for Inter would widen the gap, while Napoli will be looking to close it and keep their title ambitions alive.
In a brief nod to the business of football, a side note reminds fans that the league continues to offer multiple viewing options, including free streaming on select platforms for eligible packages, because nothing says football like finding a way to watch a derby without leaving the house.
Punchline time: If this match were a fine wine, it would be a bold Barolo — strong, a little aggressive, and leaving a lasting aftertaste of goals. Punchline two: Scouting reports say the only thing more locked than Inter’s defense is my calendar when it hears the words derby and Meazza in the same sentence."
