Serie A: Inter held at Sampdoria, drifts further from Napoli

• Sampdoria played host to Inter Milan on the Monday night football in Serie A
• Second-placed Inter needed a win to reduce the gap with leaders Napoli in the league
• Poor display from the Nerazzurr’s attack made sure the teams shared the spoil on Monday

After a poor display on Monday at Sampdoria resulted in a goalless draw, Inter lost further distance to Napoli, who are currently leading the Serie A standings.

In a promising start to 2023, Simone Inzaghi’s team had won seven of nine games across all competitions, but they came up empty at Luigi Ferraris Stadium.

The hosts, led by Dejan Stankovic, had few offensive contributions, with Inter’s 13 attempts in the lopsided first half going unrewarded before a second half that was just as lopsided.

However, the Nerazzurri were unable to make the necessary progress; as a result of the deadlock, Inter now trails Napoli by 15 points and the group vying for second by just three points.

Emil Audero parried away a thumping Romelu Lukaku effort and Hakan Calhanoglu drilled narrowly wide as Inter dictated the opening proceedings.

Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku could not fire up his side past Sampdoria when the two sides clashed in the Serie A on Monday, February 13 2023. | PHOTO: Eurosport |

Matteo Darmian blazed just over after Lautaro Martinez inexplicably failed to connect from close range before Robin Gosens went close with a headed attempt as Inzaghi’s visitors failed to capitalise on their first-half dominance.

Manolo Gabbiadini dragged a rare Sampdoria opportunity off target after the interval, albeit Inter continued to monopolise possession in search of an elusive opener.

Audero thwarted a stinging Calhanoglu effort before the Turkey international curled just the wrong side of the goalkeeper’s left post.

The Sampdoria goalkeeper tipped over a long-range Francesco Acerbi drive before Martinez somehow failed to convert a last-minute scramble inside the area as Inter were unable to find a deserved late winner.

Rare draw halts Inter title bid

Inter had won nine of their past 11 meetings with Sampdoria in Serie A, winning their past two 3-0, therefore a stalemate with the league’s second-bottom side may come as a surprise.

Both Inter Milan and Sampdoria could not find the cutting edge when the two sides clashed in Serie A on Monday. | PHOTO: Inter Milan |

The nature of the result marked a rare feat for Inter, too, with it just their second draw in their past 31 Italian top-flight games – stunting their run as they looked for an eighth win in 10 games across all competitions since the new year began.

Napoli are all but crowned Scudetto champions already, but with Porto on the horizon in the Champions League later in February, Inzaghi will appreciate Inter must improve going forward.

Nuytinck neutralises Inter attack

Bram Nuytinck was the star of the show for the Sampdoria backline, capably supported by goalkeeper and captain Audero behind him.

The Dutch 32-year-old defender showed all of his experience in a resolute performance, making the most tackles (four) and most clearances (nine) of any player on the pitch.

Gabbiadini struggles

Gabbiadini has scored three Serie A goals in 2023, after having a hand in only four goals (two goals, two assists) in the whole of last year.

But the Samp striker struggled in this game, failing to hit the target with two presentable chances to leave his tally at just one goal in 12 meetings with Inter in the competition.

Inter will be at home to Udinese on Saturday when Sampdoria host Bologna.