The last two winners of the Serie A faced off at the San Siro on Sunday, with Inter Milan and Napoli sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw which could have turned out different but for a penalty miss in the second half.
With Atalanta, Lazio and Fiorentina winning their matches earlier on Sunday, Inter and Napoli were well aware that defeat would deal a big blow in what is congested top half of the Italian top-flight heading into the international break.
Former Manchester United midfielder, Scott McTominay put Antonio Conte’s side in front midway through the first half when he poked home from close range after Inter failed to deal with a corner-kick.
The champions made sure to level scores two minutes before half-time, and in spectacular fashion through Hakan Calhanoglu, who received the ball in midfield before smashing a long-range screamer past Alex Meret into the top corner.
Meret would get one back on the Turkish midfielder, however, as Calhanoglu failed to convert a penalty earned after Denzel Dumfries was brought down in the area with 20 minutes to go.
Napoli held on for a crucial point against Simone Inzaghi’s men to regain top spot in Serie A with 26 points after 11 matches. But the league leaders have four teams hot on their heels with Inter joining the Atalanta, Fiorentina and Lazio on 25 points, while Juventus is in sixth place with 24 points.