Inter v Napoli lacks fireworks and grabs headlines for wrong reasons | Nicky Bandini
Match that promised much failed to deliver and ended up being remembered for troubling accusations made by Juan Jesus
It should have been one of this season’s grand occasions. Inter versus Napoli as winter turns to spring: a passing-of-the-baton moment with Serie A’s champions-elect hosting the team who shocked the world when they won the Scudetto last year. We wanted fireworks. We got two flamed-out teams, and a game overshadowed by accusations of a player using racist language.
Technically, there were pyrotechnics. Inter were welcomed to San Siro by supporters setting off illuminations and displaying a banner with the words “Fieri di voi” – “Proud of you”. After the disappointment of a midweek Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid, ultras from the Curva Nord made a deliberate show of gratitude for what has nevertheless been a remarkable year.
