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Matteo Politano found the back of the net at the San Siro, giving Napoli a 1-0 lead over Inter Milan in what has shaped up to be one of the most consequential Serie A fixtures of the early season.
The goal came after a first half that ended scoreless, with both teams trading dangerous chances without managing to convert. Politano, operating in Napoli’s attacking trident within their 4-3-3 setup, had been a persistent threat throughout the match before finally capitalizing.
A first half of frustration and near-misses
The opening 45 minutes at the Giuseppe Meazza played out with neither side converting. Napoli, set up in a 4-3-3 formation under manager Massimiliano Allegri, pressed forward with intent but kept running into a wall named Martinez.
Inter’s goalkeeper was the standout performer of the first half, pulling off several saves to keep Napoli’s attack at bay.
Cristian Chivu’s side, deployed in a 3-5-2 formation, created their own share of danger. The closest they came was a Dimarco free-kick that crashed against the crossbar just before the halftime whistle.
Politano breaks through
Politano, who had been Napoli’s most dangerous attacker across both halves, finally converted to put the visitors ahead.
Napoli came into this fixture without some key personnel, including McTominay, which made the performance even more notable. Playing away at the San Siro while shorthanded, Allegri’s side still managed to seize control of the match.
What the result means for both clubs
This match represented the first direct clash of the season between these two title contenders on September 5, 2026.
For Inter, the timing of this result adds an extra layer of pressure. The club has a Champions League match against Real Madrid coming up shortly after this fixture, creating a demanding stretch that will test both the squad’s fitness and its mental resilience.
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