The head-to-head match for the title race last night between Inter-Napoli at San Siro ended with a 2-2 draw. The Nerazzurri took the lead twice, but were caught both times by a brace from McTominay. Let’s take a look at our analysis ‘Five things we learned from Inter-Napoli 2-2’.

1) It’s the first draw of the season and it comes in the match that could have really changed the league. It’s not a bad result in itself, but it has a clear scent: that of a missed opportunity. Winning would have meant dealing a blow to Napoli, raising a psychological wall and sending a very strong message to ourselves. Instead, Conte could use this 2-2 as fuel for his team, as if it were a victory.

2) Twice in the lead, at home, against a strong but depleted Napoli. And twice caught, practically on the only two real chances conceded. When everything seemed to be going the right way, the punishment arrived. This is not bad luck: it’s a theme that needs to be explored. This Inter creates a lot, but concedes very little and pays for everything. It’s a problem of reading the moments, of management, of ruthlessness.

3) A quality reinforcement is needed on the right wing. This is not a personal criticism of Luis Henrique, but a technical analysis. Just look at what Dimarco produces on the other side to understand that the disparity is huge: danger, quality, offensive weight. This way it becomes too predictable. If you want to win the league, these details are not just details.

4) It was not the best night for Akanji who lost the duel with Højlund. More was expected from Lautaro in terms of emotional leadership. Zielinski did well, even though he faded as the match went on. Very good impact from Mkhitaryan off the bench, extremely unlucky with the final post: if that goes in, it changes the whole narrative of the evening.

5) It hurts in the heat of the moment and it’s right to say so. But the standings say that those behind are obliged to win, not those in front. Inter is first: +3 over Milan and +4 over Napoli, with both head-to-head matches against the Azzurri already played. And so far, Chivu’s Inter has almost always done its duty against the smaller teams (except for Udinese). It was a missed opportunity, yes. But we move forward with confidence, not with fear.