Three sendings off, but no goals: SSC Napoli also disappointed against AC Monza in Serie A on Friday (December 29, 2023). Things didn’t go according to plan for Inter Milan either.
Without their suspended strikers Victor Osimhen and Matteo Politano, the Italian football champions from Naples were unable to survive a goalless game against AC Monza draw and is increasingly threatening to be left behind in Serie A Champions League-Losing ranks.
Three dismissals in the final phase
Napoli was in the cup after the crashing round of 16 exit against newly promoted Frosinone Calcio (0:4) also remained without a goal at AS Roma (0:2) one day before Christmas Eve. Against Monza, the SSC struggled offensively for a long time – and were lucky defensively that Matteo Pessina (68th) missed a hand penalty.
In the final phase there was a lot of expulsion: First, both coaches were sent to the stands for complaining, before Monza’s Mirko Maric (90th + 5) was shown the red card on the visitors’ bench.
Arnautovic’s goal is not enough for Inter
Leaders Inter Milan also dropped points, having to settle for a 1-1 (1-1) draw at CFC Genoa 1893. As one of six ex-Bundesliga players in the starting line-up, Marko Arnautovic (42nd) gave the guests the lead, but Radu Dragusin (45th + 7) equalized before the break.
This means that Inter’s lead over their first pursuer Juventus Turin could shrink to two points. Juve will play at home against AS Roma on Saturday evening (December 30, 2023).
