Preview: Key Points of the New Season's Decisive Clash, Inter Milan Target Three Points at Home Before Facing Real Madrid

I saw a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport early this morning: Napoli once wanted to bring Pio Esposito back, but Inter Milan never agreed to let him leave. The phrase 'bring back' is somewhat puzzling.

So I checked the information. The Transfermarkt records for the three Esposito brothers list their birthplace as Castellammare di Stabia, a historic small city on the southeast corner of the Gulf of Naples. It was a place where wealthy people went for hot springs and holidays during ancient Roman times. According to current geography, it belongs to the Naples metropolitan area.

This place has produced many famous people. Besides the three Esposito brothers, the most famous Italian player is goalkeeper Donnarumma; there are also players such as Quagliarella and Mirante.

This area has the only large public general hospital maternity department among the surrounding coastal towns, so families living in the region with better economic conditions would choose this hospital as the place of birth. As a result, this address became the birthplace listed for many players.

Therefore, the records of the three Esposito brothers all show that they were born at this hospital in the area. This is how the news story got the description of 'bringing him back.'

Before Inter Milan's match against Napoli, La Gazzetta dello Sport chose some unusual angles for news reports and used some 'technical methods' to attract attention, which is understandable.

Match highlights

1. Chivu vs Allegri, Inter Milan vs Napoli

First, Inter Milan are the second team in Serie A history with the most victories over Napoli, with a record of 70 wins, 42 draws, and 48 losses—the top team is Juventus with 72 wins. Inter Milan have also scored the most goals against Napoli, with 229 goals in total—the top spot again belongs to Juventus with 232 goals. In addition, Inter have scored in 16 consecutive matches against Napoli. Therefore, even the most pessimistic media outlets believed before the match that regardless of the result, Inter would continue to score.

Second, although Inter have the advantage in historical records, Napoli have been one of their most difficult opponents in recent seasons. In the last five direct meetings, Inter have four draws and one defeat without a win.

Third, Inter Milan have faced Napoli 80 times at home, winning 51 and losing only 9. Their win rate is as high as 64%. In their last nine home matches against Napoli, Inter have remained unbeaten with five wins and four draws; their last three home matches against Napoli have all ended in draws. In Serie A history, Inter and Napoli have never had four consecutive draws.

Fourth, when Allegri coached AC Milan last season, he faced Chivu twice, and both matches ended with Allegri winning 1-0. However, going further back, when Chivu first became a head coach of a Serie A-level team, he led Parma to a 1-0 home victory over Allegri's Juventus. Therefore, the total score between Chivu and Allegri currently stands at only 1-2. Everything has just begun.

2. Former Manchester City players clash, De Bruyne and his friends

Napoli midfielder De Bruyne and former Manchester City centre-back Stones, who joined Inter Milan this summer, spent nine full seasons together at Manchester City from 2016 to 2025. They played 195 matches together and won countless honors. When they won the final victory in the 2023 European final, their opponent happened to be Inter Milan. They were clearly two key leaders of Guardiola's team.

In addition, De Bruyne and Akanji also made 83 appearances together for Manchester City.

If the three players are counted together, they won seven trophies in total, including two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one Community Shield, one UEFA Super Cup, and one Club World Cup.

Do not forget that veteran Kolarov is also on Inter Milan's bench. Surprisingly, De Bruyne and Kolarov also played together at Manchester City for two years, making 60 appearances together.

3. Lautaro

As a member of a World Cup final team, Lautaro is clearly not yet back to his best form; however, time is running short for the Inter Milan captain. Midweek in the Champions League, Inter will face one of their most important opponents—Real Madrid. Everyone knows how many spotlights will be on this trip to the Bernabeu. Therefore, before this major Champions League clash, the Italian top battle against last season's Serie A runners-up becomes extremely valuable.

Hopefully, such an intense match can bring out the potential of important players including Lautaro and Akanji, awakening their bodies after fatigue caused hesitation and reduced focus.

4. A surprise weapon?!

Spence has not appeared yet; Augusto has not played a single minute in two matches. Inter Milan must not only consider domestic competitions but also keep the Champions League in mind. So whether Dimarco or Bastoni should be rested remains to be seen.

Midnight today! In the first match against a strong opponent of the new season, we will support and cheer for Inter Milan. See you there!

That is all for today's article, that is all!