Inter Milan v SSC Napoli: draw tipped in closely matched Serie A meeting

Inter Milan’s perfect start to the Serie A season will be tested when they host SSC Napoli at San Siro on Saturday, with a draw priced at 3.96 by 1xBet.

The match brings together the last two Italian champions, with reigning champions Inter Milan facing last season’s runners-up. It is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 GMT on 5 September 2026.

Nasser Eddy, a consultant for NCI Sport and presenter of the European Champions League on Radio Nostalgie, believes the numbers point towards a competitive contest. He also expects both teams to score, with more than 25.5 total shots on target among the key selections offered at odds of 1.83.

Inter have taken six points from their opening two league matches. Christian Chivu’s side began with a 4-1 victory over Monza before winning 1-0 away at Cagliari last Sunday, putting them among six teams level at the top of the table.

Their strong start extends beyond the two competitive fixtures. Inter have remained unbeaten since beginning their pre-season programme in July, having also avoided defeat in five friendly matches.

Defensive resilience has been one of the most notable features of their campaign so far. The Nerazzurri have not conceded more than one goal in any match this season, despite losing several important players in that area, including goalkeeper Yann Sommer and defenders Denzel Dumfries, Stefan De Vrij and Matteo Darmian.

Inter have addressed those departures with the return of Benjamin Pavard from a loan spell, the continued development of Manuel Akanji and the arrivals of John Stones, Djed Spence and goalkeeper Ivan Provedel.

They have also made fast starts in attack. Hakan Calhanoglu opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes against both Monza and Cagliari. Inter recorded 31 shots against Cagliari and 13 in the opening phase of their match with Monza, giving them an average of 22 attempts per league game.

SSC Napoli face a difficult task after losing 2-1 at home to Como at the Diego Maradona Stadium in their second match of the season. That followed a 2-0 victory away at Genoa in their opening fixture.

The result leaves Napoli with one win and one defeat from their first two league games, although their pre-season record was positive, with three victories, one draw and one loss in five matches.

Massimiliano Allegri’s team have continued to create chances and have averaged 13 shots per game in their last two matches. With Kevin De Bruyne operating as an experienced playmaker, Napoli have shown an attacking approach and have scored in every match since the season resumed, including their defeat by Como.

However, the club have reduced the size of their squad during the summer and do not yet appear to have the strength to match their recent performances. They still possess quality throughout the team and should provide a serious test for Inter.

The recent head-to-head record is finely balanced. Across the past 40 meetings, Inter have won 12, Napoli have recorded 13 victories and the other 15 matches have ended level.

Inter are without a win in the past five meetings between the sides. Their most recent encounter at San Siro, on 11 January 2026, finished 2-2. There has not been a goalless draw between the clubs in their last 19 matches.

Player to watch: Ange-Yoan Bonny

Ange-Yoan Bonny is beginning his second season with Inter Milan after making his World Cup debut for Cote d’Ivoire.

The 22-year-old forward faces strong competition from Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram and Pio Esposito, and is seeking a greater role in the team. He played just over 30 minutes against Monza and was an unused substitute in the victory at Cagliari.

Bonny is expected to start on the bench against Napoli, with the possibility of earning some playing time. The fixture comes shortly before Herve Renard is due to announce his next Cote d’Ivoire squad for the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The key 1xBet prices are 3.96 for a draw, 1.96 for both teams to score, 1.54 for Inter to score the first goal and 1.83 for more than 25.5 total shots on target.

The prediction is for an evenly fought match in which both sides find the net, while Inter are backed to open the scoring. The teams are expected to produce more than 25.5 total shots on target.

Inter Milan FC v SSC Napoli takes place at San Siro on Saturday, 5 September 2026, at 16:00 GMT.

Odds are subject to change.