Inter Milan's title defence continues to gather momentum. A clinical 2-0 victory at Parma on Wednesday extended their lead at the Serie A summit, while Napoli's frustrations mounted in a chaotic 2-2 draw with Hellas Verona.
The numbers tell a clear story. Inter now sit four points clear at the top, their defensive resilience matched by ruthless efficiency in attack. Federico Dimarco opened the scoring at the Stadio Ennio Tardini with a trademark left-footed strike, before Marcus Thuram sealed the win in the second half. Sixteen games unbeaten in all competitions. The Nerazzurri machine rolls on.
At the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Antonio Conte's Napoli stumbled. Scott McTominay scored his fourth Serie A goal of the season, continuing his impressive adaptation to Italian football since his summer move from Manchester United. But defensive lapses cost the Partenopei, and two goals from Verona condemned them to a draw that feels increasingly costly.
Conte was typically combative in his post-match assessment. The former Inter coach has transformed Napoli since his arrival, but inconsistency continues to plague their title challenge. This was their third draw in seven matches, and with Inter pulling away, the margin for error has disappeared.
Elsewhere in Serie A, Atalanta maintained their pursuit of the top two with a comfortable 2-0 win at Bologna. Gian Piero Gasperini's side remain unbeaten in their last eight league matches, their high-pressing system causing problems for every opponent they face. Lazio and Fiorentina played out a 2-2 draw at the Olimpico, while Udinese claimed three points at Torino.
The title picture is crystallising. Inter's experience of winning last season, combined with Simone Inzaghi's tactical nous, gives them a clear advantage. Napoli have the quality but lack the consistency. Atalanta are dangerous outsiders but perhaps lack the squad depth for a sustained challenge. Juventus remain too far adrift to be considered genuine contenders.
McTominay's goal at least provided a reminder of Napoli's attacking threat. The Scottish midfielder has been one of the signings of the season, bringing energy and goal threat to Conte's midfield. His partnership with Stanislav Lobotka has been particularly effective, combining industry with intelligence in the centre of the pitch.
But Inter's solidity is the story of this Serie A campaign. Just eight goals conceded in their opening fixtures. Clean sheets becoming routine rather than exceptional. Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi, and Benjamin Pavard have formed a defensive unit that looks virtually impenetrable.
The next few weeks will be decisive. Inter face Milan in the Derby della Madonnina later this month, while Napoli must navigate a tricky run of fixtures including a trip to Atalanta. The gap could widen further — or the drama could intensify.
For now, Inter lead. And with each passing week, their status as favourites only strengthens.
