Leaders Inter Milan held by reigning champions Napoli

Runaway Serie A leaders Inter Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by reigning champions Napoli at the San Siro.

It is the first time Simone Inzaghi’s side have dropped points in 2024 as Juan Jesus’ late goal against his former club cancelled out Matteo Darmian’s opener to secure a point for Napoli.

It has been a week to forget for Inter, who were knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid in midweek, during what is a fine domestic league campaign.

It ends in a draw.

Powered by @eBay_Italia#ForzaInter #InterNapoli pic.twitter.com/4ucS4BGgMm

— Inter (@Inter_en) March 17, 2024

Marcus Thuram had the first clear-cut chance of the game but Jesus was on hand to make the block.

Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret then somehow kept the score level with a quick-fire double save, pushing away a Darmian header before clambering up and keeping out Lautaro Martinez on the rebound.

Inter were not at their fluent best and Hamed Traore could have punished them but headed wide as the visitors looked to take a half-time lead.

Bastoni to Darmian and we lead! #InterNapoli 1-0 (43’) #ForzaInter @eBay_Italia pic.twitter.com/cTtysdEO3K

— Inter (@Inter_en) March 17, 2024

Instead, they were caught out just moments later as Darmian tucked home from inside the box for his second goal of the campaign.

After the break, Martinez stung the palms of Meret early in the second half before fluffing his lines with another opportunity shortly afterwards.

Napoli, though, with leading goalscorer Victor Osimhen watching on from the substitutes’ bench, started to enjoy more of the ball and push for an equaliser.

Despite having more possession, the champions – who sit seventh in the table following a dismal defence of their title – struggled to create chances.

Napoli’s Juan