Another disappointment for Napoli. Without Antonio Conte on the bench, due to his suspension for his sending off at San Siro, the Azzurri ran into Parma's defensive wall in the rescheduled matchday 16 fixture and were handed another draw, following those against Verona and Inter.

The Italian champions thus risk seeing the top of the table slip even further.

Napoli is struggling and, as is now commonplace, continues to alternate between convincing and disappointing performances. The scoreless draw against Parma leaves Conte's team only able to create a few dangerous opportunities, but their play is never characterized by intensity, pace, or relentless competitive spirit. In short, it's a familiar pattern this season, one that can't even be justified by the many absences, even if it comes from Sunday night's demanding performance in Milan.

Inter, on the other hand, are running away, and they do so thanks to three crucial points, snatched tooth and nail from Lecce: a goal from Francesco Pio Esposito is enough to launch the Nerazzurri's runaway run, now six points ahead of AC Milan (who play tomorrow in Como) and Napoli, moving back to seven points ahead of Juventus and Roma. The young Inter striker's strike resolved a subdued performance for Chivu's men, whose extensive rotation wasn't enough to eliminate the sting in their legs from Sunday's draw against Napoli. But a more convincing second half and the Campanian striker's goal allowed the Nerazzurri to extend their lead at the top, also securing the title of winter champions.

(Unioneonline)

© Riproduzione riservata