Inter Milan failed to register a win for the first time in 12 games as they moved a step closer to the Serie A title with a 1-1 draw at Napoli.
Samir Handanovic gifted Napoli the lead after fumbling Lorenzo Insigne’s cross into his own net in the 36th minute. It was very uncharacteristic of the otherwise assured Solvenian goalkeeper.
Romelu Lukaku hit the woodwork twice for Inter before Christian Eriksen scored his first goal of the season for the Nerazzurri with a nice left-footed shot to make it 1-1.
Napoli stay fifth, two points behind Juventus who occupy the final UEFA Champions League spot after losing 1-0 at Atalanta.
Inter had won their last 11 games in a relentless march to the Serie A title but this game Napoli proved to be more than a handful as they strive to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
They might not have to worry too much if the Super League does, in fact, go through finally as that will see the Milan teams and Juventus moving out of UEFA’s premier club competition.
Eriksen scored after Napoli failed to deal with a swift counter-attack. The finish was reminiscent of the Christian Eriksen we have known from the past and it will help the Danish midfielder feel good too.
Victor Osimhen failed to score against Inter (Photo by Andrea Staccioli/Insidefoto/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Inter survived two late scares as Matteo Politano rattled the crossbar and then the referee consulted the pitch side monitor (VAR) to correctly overturn his penalty decision against a strong challenge by Stefan de Vrij who had his heart in his mouth.
Antonio Conte’s side now need just 13 points from their seven remaining games to become champions, to finally end the winning streak of Juventus who have won 9 consecutive Scudetto titles.
AC Milan managed to close the gap with their rivals ever so slightly after their 2-1 victory over Genoa at the San Siro, to close the gap at the top to nine points.
Inter Milan face Spezia who are in 14th place, next whereas Napoli have a tough outing against immediate challengers Lazio.
A win for Lazio will take them into 5th, 1 point ahead of their opponents so there is everything to play for in that match.
