Regardless of the final result between now and next weekend, Napoli and Inter Milan fans have every possible reason to reminisce about the historic final stretch of Serie A in 2024/25, with a penultimate round full of twists and turns in the title race.
Going into the game with a one-point lead, Napoli traveled to Parma to play a game that could give them an early title at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, but the tension expressed by the players was also very present in Antonio Conte from the start, with a style of play that ran away from the team's hallmarks.
While Inter couldn't get the upper hand against Lazio at the San Siro, Napoli's strategy was totally focused on defending as much as possible to reduce Parma's space, with the aim of securing the lead going into the final matchday, when they will play in front of their home fans against Cagliari.
The second half saw the same "non-aggression" pact between Napoli and Parma, even in the face of intense tension, as the hosts were getting a result they considered positive in their fight against relegation. Until the VAR "stole the show" by calling the referee to review a penalty awarded in injury time, but the decision was reversed.
Inter Milan had strong emotions in the match against Lazio
While Napoli and Parma played out a game without many chances, what about the 2-2 draw between Inter and Lazio? It all started in the first half, when Yan Bisseck put Simone Inzhaghi's side ahead, putting more tension in the title race with the momentary lead.
But Inter couldn't turn their attacking volume into more goals and ended up equalizing when Pedro scored the equalizer for Lazio in the 72nd minute. Inter soon tried to regain the lead with Dumfries putting them back in front, but Pedro RodrÃguez scored Lazio's second goal from the penalty spot with the help of VAR after a handball by Bisseck.
Serie A could be decided by a must-win play-off
The result for both teams kept the gap at one point, with Napoli (who face Cagliari at home) now on 79 points, while Inter (who face Como away) have 78. The two games must be played on Friday, because in the event of a draw, Napoli and Inter will have to decide Serie A in a play-off on Sunday.