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12 February 2020Prudent Napoli takes away the full loot on the pitch of a non-brilliant Inter. The Neapolitans leave the suffering of the championship behind and conquer San Siro with a goal by Fabian Ruiz in the first leg of the Italian Cup. For the Nerazzurri, the road to the final passes through a possible event at the San Paolo in the return on 5 March.

Conte's usual 3-5-2 sees the return of Lautaro (disqualified two rounds in the league) alongside Lukaku. The exteriors are Moses and Biraghi, Padelli always in goal due to Handanovic's injury. An injury also for Gattuso, that of Insigne, in front there is the trident Callejon-Mertens-Elmas. The two outside help a lot the midfield three (Fabian Ruiz, Demme and Zielinski). On the ground of the 'Meazza', a bland rhythm, with Inter holding more possession without making itself dangerous. A turn of Lautaro's head, also the author of a shot from distance, does not shake Ospina. There is no deep play. Napoli makes its fans sweat cold with some risky games near their area, but they can get a couple of good chances. A shot by Mertens engages Padelli, who is especially stressed in the recovery, when Zielinski (served by the Belgian) is all alone and loses the duel.

The recovery begins with D'Ambrosio for Skriniar. Inter more proactive, Lukaku's play is sought. But Napoli takes a flash to hurt. At 57 'Fabian Ruiz receives the ball on the vertex to the right of the area, he focuses following the line and unloads a nice left-footed shot which Padelli cannot reach. Nerazzurri in a clear offensive projection, Lautaro tries without luck from the limit. Conte throws Eriksen into the fray (for Sensi). The Dane shows up with a twenty-meter stunt, off target. It is also up to Sanchez, instead of Moses, Conte passes to the defense with four with more support at the tips. There is a sensational occasion for Inter, which stems from Lautaro's initiative, Lukaku is re-packed three times before Ospina catches the ball. In Naples inside Milik, the former Politano and Allan (for Mertens, Callejon and Zielinski). Partenopei ordered in defense, Eriksen shoots from distance, a deviation defuses the danger. The most tempting opportunity comes after the recovery, when the aerial bank of Lukaku activates D'Ambrosio, Mario Rui and Ospina save the door.