MILAN: Napoli’s perfect start to Serie A finally came to an end yesterday in an enthralling 0-0 home draw with Inter Milan, the only other unbeaten side in the Italian top flight.
There were plenty of chances at the San Paolo, and Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic was kept busier than his Napoli counterpart Pepe Reina. It was the first time since April and a 2-2 draw at Sassuolo that Napoli has failed to win in Serie A.
Napoli remained top of the standings, two points above Inter and six above Juventus and Lazio, who face Udinese and Cagliari respectively on today.
Napoli were looking for a ninth successive league win. It was boosted by Lorenzo Insigne passing fit to start after injuring a thigh on Tuesday in the Champions League defeat at Manchester City.
Inter were full of confidence after Mauro Icardi’s hat-trick helped them win last week’s derby against AC Milan, but they hadn’t won in Naples in 20 years.