Napoli-Milan can now be considered more of a second-place battle, seeing as Inter sent a massive signal to the two with their 5-2 win last night.
Ahead of the weekend, the Napoli-Milan fixture was described as a ‘last chance’ for both sides to include themselves in the Scudetto race. While that probably remains true, it’s clear that Inter’s big win against Roma was a way for them to put their foot down.
Amid great uncertainty, the Nerazzurri came out and delivered a strong performance underneath the San Siro lights. With nine points to spare, they now have a firm hand on the Scudetto and that has changed the nature of tonight’s game.
Great game anyway
Instead of describing it as a last chance for the Scudetto, the clash should probably be seen as a great battle for second place. Just one point separates the two sides and Milan, often previously sitting pretty comfortably in second, will be looking to restore a decent cushion.
Napoli, meanwhile, have been in good form lately and now is a chance to properly prove themselves in front of their home crowd at Stadio Maradona. A win would be nothing short of massive and while it probably wouldn’t change anything Scudetto-wise, it would be a huge blow to Milan.
Massimiliano Allegri has made it clear all season that they need to focus on top four, but that doesn’t mean they will roll over tonight. If anything, it means they will fight even harder to establish a cushion and cement themselves in second place. They just might not focus on the Scudetto, that’s all.
Milan blow up their chances by dropping silly points and now might be too little too late to save the day.. finishing 2nd is not too bad and might be good foundation for next year.
“finishing 2nd is not too bad”
True. But in the end makes no difference being 2nd, 3rd or 4th. Especially when Inter Merda finish above us.
Money matters and seeding against UCL teams.