Inter Milan’s grip on the Serie A title is looking increasingly tenuous after a 1-0 defeat to Bologna left them level on points with Napoli. Despite holding the edge on goal difference, Inter’s recent form and mounting fatigue have injected fresh drama into the title race. With five games remaining, both sides could yet be dragged into a rare one-off title playoff if they finish level on points, a scenario made possible by a rule introduced just two seasons ago.
Inter remain technically ahead due to a superior goal difference, with both head-to-head clashes against Napoli ending in draws. However, should they remain tied at the end of the season, a single-match playoff will decide the championship, hosted by the side holding the better tie-breaker. If that game ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it will go straight to penalties a high-stakes twist that would thrill neutrals but terrify the teams involved.
Inter’s defeat to Bologna exposed some troubling signs. The team looked weary just days after their Champions League quarter-final triumph over Bayern Munich. The heavy fixture load with Coppa Italia and Club World Cup aspirations still alive is clearly taking its toll. Only two changes were made from the Bayern lineup, with Joaquín Correa and Carlos Augusto coming in. It wasn’t enough to freshen things up, and Riccardo Orsolini’s late scissor-kick winner punished a sluggish Inter defense.
Bologna, under Vincenzo Italiano, have been a revelation. Despite losing key players and their manager in the summer, they’ve grown stronger and now sit in a Champions League spot. Their win over Inter was hard-earned, exploiting Inter’s fatigue with aggressive wing play and relentless pressing. Orsolini’s impact off the bench was particularly noteworthy, his 12th goal of the season bolstering calls for his inclusion in the national squad.
Inter’s squad is clearly stretched. Midfielder Nicolò Barella acknowledged the physical toll after the match, citing a lack of rotation options due to injuries. Still, he insisted the team’s mentality remains strong, despite setbacks. Their resilience was on show in Europe, but domestically, that same drive may not be enough if their legs give out.
Napoli, meanwhile, are quietly positioning themselves for a dramatic late surge. A scrappy 1-0 win at Monza, sealed by Scott McTominay’s header, has kept their title hopes alive. Though their performance was far from convincing, they now have the advantage. Their remaining fixtures appear kinder on paper, with none of their final opponents in the top half of the table. However, away trips to relegation battlers Lecce and Parma carry real danger.
Off the pitch, Antonio Conte’s frustrations are surfacing. The Napoli boss has voiced concerns over expectations and the club’s long-term planning. His remarks suggest uncertainty about his future, despite Napoli being in contention for the title.
Inter still have tough matches to navigate, including clashes with both Rome clubs, each chasing European spots. Fatigue, not quality, now looms as their biggest threat. With both clubs neck and neck, the possibility of a title playoff a dramatic showdown with penalties potentially deciding the champion is becoming very real. Serie A has not seen such a scenario since 1964, when Inter also lost to Bologna. History could yet repeat itself, in the most extraordinary fashion.
