To further clarify, via permutations guru, ESPN’s Dale Johnson: “If the two teams finish on the same points -- this will happen if Napoli lose and Inter draw -- there will be a one-legged playoff, hosted by the club with the best goal difference (Inter), to decide the title.”
Serie A title decider: Napoli and Inter battle it out for the Scudetto – live
Anthony Richardson emails in: “An Inter draw with a Napoli loss would = a play off game, the league in Italy isn’t decided on goal difference! Napoli losing would leave them on 79 points, and an Inter draw would see them reach 79 points also.”
It goes without saying that Napoli’s bus, just arrived at the Diego Maradona was wreathed in smoke. Inter have safely made the short ride to Como, coached by Cesc Fabregas. Two Scotsmen going for the title with the current leaders.
Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Olivera, Spinazzola; Politano, Anguissa, Gilmour, McTominay; Raspadori, Lukaku
Cagliari: Sherri; Zappa, Mina, Luperto; Zortea, Makoumbou, Adopo, Deiola, Augello; Viola, Piccoli
Como: Reina; Vojvoda, van der Brempt, Smolcic, Alex Valle; Caqueret, Perrone, Da Cunha; Paz, Douvikas, Strefezza
Inter: Sommer; Bisseck, De Vrij, Carlos Augusto; Darmian, Calhanoglu, Asllani, Dimarco; Correa, Zalewski; Taremi
Nicky Bandini set the scene on Monday.
The best league in the world? Perhaps, you know. A revolving cast of title winners suggests a division in rude health. Though it has to be said that both Inter and Napoli have stumbled to the line. No matter, they have given us a final-day shootout. What needs to happen for either team to prevail – or as is remotely possible, face each other in a play-off.
If Napoli win, they are champions.
If Napoli draw, an Inter clinches the title
If Napoli lose, Inter could claim the title with a win or a draw.
Kick-off at Como and the Diego Maradona at 7.45pm UK time. Join me.