Inter continue to struggle against direct rivals after Napoli draw

Inter Milan’s 2-2 draw with Napoli at San Siro has once again highlighted a growing issue in Cristian Chivu’s side: their inability to win against direct rivals.

Despite twice taking the lead against Napoli, Inter were pegged back on both occasions, with Scott McTominay striking twice to deny the Nerazzurri a crucial victory.

The result leaves plenty still to play for in the Scudetto race, but it also extends a worrying run in big matches.

Inter are now without a win in their last 14 games against Milan, Napoli and Juventus across all competitions, recording seven draws and seven defeats in that period.

Their last success against one of those sides dates back to April 22, 2024, when they beat Milan in the derby to secure their 20th Scudetto under Simone Inzaghi.

Since then, results in direct clashes have consistently fallen short. Last season, draws against Napoli proved costly in the title race, and a similar pattern is emerging again this year.

While tactical factors vary from game to game, the recurring theme suggests something deeper.

There is an increasing sense that Inter are suffering from a mental block in decisive fixtures, a lack of ruthlessness when it matters most. It is a problem Chivu has inherited from the final months of the Inzaghi era, and one he has yet to resolve.