Inter Milan 1-1 Napoli: Late Juan Jesus header sees visitors snap league leaders winning streak

Inter Milan drew 1-1 with Napoli in Serie A on Sunday, with Matteo Darmian's first-half goal cancelled out by Juan Jesus' late header.

Inter's run of ten consecutive Serie A victories came to an end, and they now lead the table with 76 points, 14 ahead of AC Milan in second place after 29 matches. Napoli rank seventh with 45 points.

Inter had several early chances, with Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret saving a diving header from Darmian and then denying Lautaro Martinez on the rebound.

Napoli's key striker Victor Osimhen was ruled out of the game due to a muscle problem, and the team struggled up front against Inter's strong defense.

Inter deservedly broke the deadlock two minutes before halftime when Alessandro Bastoni delivered a cross into the box, which an unmarked Darmian finished first time.

While Inter dominated the majority of the game, their usually impenetrable defence slipped in the 81st minute when a Napoli corner was deflected to an unmarked Jesus, who headed in the equaliser to share the spoils.

"There is a little disappointment, especially considering how the game was going," Inter manager Simone Inzaghi said to DAZN.

"We were up against the reigning Champions of Italy and Napoli have a lot of quality, but unfortunately we made a naive error that cost us the victory."

"There are nine games left, 27 points up for grabs, we must maintain concentration."

Napoli coach Francesco Calzona was pleased with his side's display.

"We are still a long way off Inter, but this is a side that had won 10 games in a row in Serie A, so it was an excellent performance," Calzona told DAZN.

"We tried until the end to win, it was tough because Inter put you on the ropes with their combinations. Perhaps we lacked a little sharpness, but I am still pleased. The team has found itself again."

Calzona will take a break from his Serie A duties and serve as Slovakia's coach during the upcoming international break.

"Members of staff will remain in Naples and I have full faith in them. There won’t be many players left behind either, but I get the images from the drone to follow their training sessions."

AS Roma secured a crucial 1-0 home victory over Sassuolo in the battle for a top-four spot. Lorenzo Pellegrini's curling strike secured the victory, putting the capital club three points behind fourth-place Bologna, who have 54 points.

The match between Atalanta and Fiorentina was postponed on Sunday after Fiorentina director Joe Barone collapsed as the team was leaving the hotel. The match will be rescheduled at a later date.

Fiorentina stated that Barone's condition remains critical but stable.

SportsLigue