The 2024/25 Serie A season is set for one of the most thrilling finishes in recent memory, with Napoli and Inter Milan locked in a neck-and-neck battle for the Scudetto. Just a single point separates the two sides heading into Friday’s decisive final matchday, and with emotions running high, a potential playoff looms that could take the title race to unprecedented levels.
Napoli currently sit at the top of the Serie A standings with 79 points, closely followed by defending champions Inter Milan on 78. Both teams will play their final fixtures at the same time on Friday evening, ensuring a nerve-wracking climax to a season full of twists, standout performances, and unforgettable drama.
Napoli Eye Fourth Scudetto at Home to Cagliari
Antonio Conte’s Napoli have their fate firmly in their own hands. A win at home against mid-table Cagliari will see them crowned Serie A champions for the fourth time in the club’s history, regardless of how Inter fare in their fixture.
It’s been a season of grit and determination for Napoli. Their attacking stars, including Romelu Lukaku, Matteo Politano, and Giacomo Raspadori, have produced consistent moments of brilliance throughout the campaign. In midfield, Frank Anguissa and Piotr Zielinski have provided the steel and creativity that have helped Napoli dominate possession and control the tempo in tight contests.
However, they will be without their charismatic head coach Conte, who was sent off in the goalless draw at Parma last weekend following a heated exchange with the opposition bench. His absence on the touchline during such a high-stakes encounter is a significant blow and could affect how the team manages pressure in the closing stages.
Inter Rely on Final-Day Heroics at Como
Chasing just behind Napoli are Simone Inzaghi’s Inter Milan, who travel to face Como — a side managed by former Spanish international Cesc Fabregas. Como have enjoyed a solid return to Serie A and are safely positioned in 10th place with no relegation worries.
For Inter, it’s a straightforward mission: they must beat Como and hope that Napoli either draw or lose to stand any chance of retaining their Scudetto crown. A win for Inter and a loss for Napoli would hand the Nerazzurri back-to-back titles — a scenario their passionate fans are praying for.
But it hasn’t been smooth sailing for Inzaghi’s men. A 2-2 draw with Lazio on Sunday dealt a huge blow to their title push, and Inzaghi himself received a red card for vehemently protesting a late penalty decision. That means Inter, too, will head into the final round without their coach, leaving assistant managers to lead both sides in what could be the most consequential weekend of their campaigns.
What Happens If They Finish Level on Points?
Serie A rules dictate that if Napoli lose and Inter draw, both clubs would end the season with 79 points. In that case, a one-off playoff match will be held to determine the 2024/25 Serie A champion — a scenario that has happened only once before in the league’s storied history.
The last time a Scudetto playoff was required came in 1964, when Inter lost to Bologna. If history repeats itself, the playoff would take place on May 26 — just five days before Inter face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul. The logistics and stakes of such a playoff would be monumental, drawing global attention to Italian football.
Serie A is absolute box office this year
1 point seperate the top two and it’s all decided on the final matchday this Friday:
Napoli vs Cagliari
✈️ Inter vs ComoIf Napoli lose and Inter tie, a playoff final will be the decider
Who’s going to win?! pic.twitter.com/RCDLaxPW8z
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) May 19, 2025
Suspensions and Star Power
The absence of Conte and Inzaghi on the final day adds an unexpected tactical wrinkle. Both are known for their intensity and ability to make game-changing decisions from the touchline. Without them, leadership will have to come from within the squads.
Napoli will lean heavily on experienced figures like Lukaku, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, and Alex Meret. For Inter, Lautaro Martínez and Nicolò Barella will be key, alongside veterans like Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Denzel Dumfries, who have played crucial roles in big moments all season.
Both teams boast excellent depth, but the mental battle could be just as important as the tactical one. Can Napoli hold their nerve at home? Can Inter capitalize on any slip?
Serie A’s Resurgence on the Global Stage
This title race is more than just a battle between two clubs — it marks the resurgence of Serie A as a competitive and unpredictable league. Gone are the days of one-team dominance. The fact that the title could be decided by a playoff adds a layer of excitement rarely seen in modern European football.
From high-profile signings to tactical masterclasses, the 2024/25 season has delivered on every front. The potential for a final-day twist or a historic showdown only reinforces Serie A’s reputation as a league where drama lives until the very end.
This time in 4 days. MASSIVE. pic.twitter.com/08s4ehSFCW
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 19, 2025
Fans Brace for a Final Day Like No Other
Whether you’re in Naples, Milan, or anywhere around the world, all eyes will be on Friday’s fixtures. It’s a day that promises emotion, history, and possibly heartbreak. For Napoli, the dream of lifting the Scudetto at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium is just 90 minutes away. For Inter, the belief remains that one more twist could flip the script.
Whatever happens, this will be a final day for the ages in Italian football.
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