Inter’s manager Cristian Chivu has opted to leave midfielder Ozan Calhanoglu out of the starting lineup, while Napoli’s head coach Luciano Allegri has chosen Kevin De Bruyne to start. The match, set for 18:00 on September 17 at San Siro, carries weight as a prelude to both clubs’ Champions League debuts, and fans and analysts alike will watch how the tactical shifts affect the outcome.

  • Inter manager Chivu has omitted Calhanoglu from the starting lineup.
  • Napoli coach Allegri has selected De Bruyne in the starting XI.
  • Vergara is included in both teams’ lineups.

The first direct clash of the Serie A season between Inter and Napoli took place on September 17 at 18:00 local time at San Siro, a fixture that carries immense significance for both clubs.

Inter’s tactical setup featured a 3‑5‑2 formation: J. Martinez guarded the net, with Bisseck, Akanji and Bastoni anchoring the defense, while Barella, Zielinski, Sucic and Dimarco commanded the midfield.

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Napoli, meanwhile, fielded a 4‑3‑3: Meret between the posts, Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Marin and Spinazzola as full‑backs, Anguissa, Lobotka and De Bruyne operating centrally, and Politano, Hojlund and Alisson Santos leading the attack.

The absence of Calhanoglu raises questions about Inter’s midfield dynamism, whereas De Bruyne’s inclusion injects creative spark into Napoli’s play.

This encounter matters beyond Serie A points; it also serves as a psychological and tactical rehearsal ahead of both clubs’ Champions League debuts.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the Inter‑Napoli showdown clarifies each side’s strategic approach for the upcoming European campaign, providing fans and pundits with clear signals on how to leverage playing styles for success.

“Inter’s decision to sideline Calhanoglu is a risk, but Dimarco and Zielinski’s experience should offset the loss.”
Did You Know?: San Siro was renovated in 2020 to accommodate over 80,000 spectators, becoming Italy’s largest football stadium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How did Calhanoglu perform in previous matches?

A1: He scored 12 goals and provided 8 assists last season, marking a strong contribution.

Q2: How many matches has De Bruyne played for Napoli?

A2: He has featured in 5 matches, scoring 3 goals to date.