Napoli managed to maintain their title aspirations with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Inter Milan at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 1, 2025. Despite falling behind to Federico Dimarco's brilliant free-kick, Napoli's substitute Philip Billing scored late to secure a pivotal point for his side.
The match proved to be one of the highlights of the Serie A season, as both teams entered with only one point separating them at the top of the table. Napoli, having dropped points with three draws in their last four fixtures, needed to capitalize on the opportunity to recapture the top position. Both teams faced injury challenges; Napoli was missing key players like Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, David Neres, and Pasquale Mazzocchi, whereas Inter was without Matteo Darmian, Yann Sommer, Carlos Augusto, and Nicola Zalewski. Nonetheless, Marcus Thuram returned for Inter, strengthening their lineup.
Dimarco opened the scoring with his stunning free-kick, curling the ball over the Napoli wall and finding the top corner without giving goalkeeper Alex Meret so much as a chance to react. Remarkably, it marked Inter’s first direct free-kick goal since November 2022, also scored by Dimarco against Bologna. The early goal ignited the match, providing the Nerazzurri with confidence. Napol's attack, bolstered by Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay, looked to fight back; Lukaku's volley narrowly missed the target, and efforts from Giacomo Raspadori were blocked by Alessandro Bastoni.
Throughout the first half, chances came and went for both teams with Inter's defense standing strong against Napoli's advances, and the scoreboard remained 1-0 at halftime. After the break, both teams experienced injuries, with Calhanoglu and Dimarco leaving the field, forcing Inter coach Simone Inzaghi to adapt their formation.
Napoli grew more aggressive as the game progressed, pushing for the equalizer. The match built up to a dramatic conclusion when Billing entered the match as a substitute. Lobotka, combining effectively with McTominay, set up Billing, who saw his initial shot saved by Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez. Quick on the follow-up, Billing turned the rebound over the line from just inches out, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.
Billing’s goal came late, but it represented more than just a point on the scoreboard; it breathed new life back to Napoli's title challenge. Inter maintains the lead at the top of the Serie A table, now just one point clear of Napoli. This draw marked Inter's third consecutive match without defeat, following wins against Genoa and Lazio, but it also extended Napoli’s winless streak to five matches, leaving them hungry for their next victory.
The draw also kept Atalanta at bay, as they failed to capitalize on the situation with their own goalless draw against Venezia, remaining three points adrift of the top two. Injuries for both teams could prove significant as they progress through the final stretch of the Serie A season, particularly with Inter preparing for their Champions League clash against Feyenoord on Wednesday.
Reflecting on the match, coach Antonio Conte expressed his thoughts on the need for his team to find their form again. He highlighted the importance of every detail and the necessity for his players to step up. The match illustrated the tension and stakes involved between two fierce title contenders striving for every point available.
With just nine matches left to play, the pressure will only mount as both teams continue to chase their respective goals this season. This match, though ending level, could very much influence who lifts the Scudetto trophy come season end.