Inter 1-1 Napoli: Calhanoglu misses penalty as Scudetto rivals draw

By Sports Desk November 10, 2024

Hakan Calhanoglu went from hero to villain as Inter drew 1-1 with Serie A title rivals Napoli, scoring a stunning equaliser then missing a late penalty. 

Inter had fallen behind against the run of play in the 23rd minute, with Scott McTominay continuing his fine form by poking home from close range after a Napoli corner was flicked on.

Two minutes before the break, Calhanoglu equalised with a powerful strike from outside the box, which beat Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret before nestling in the top corner.

The Turkey international, who had scored 17 successive spot-kicks in the league for Inter, then had the chance to win it in the 74th minute after Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa fouled Denzel Dumfries.

However, he left San Siro in stunned silence when he hit the post from 12 yards, ensuring the two Scudetto contenders had to settle for a point apiece.

Napoli top the table with 26 points from 12 games, while Inter sit fourth with 25, with the Nerazzurri also behind Atalanta and Fiorentina on goal difference.

 

Data Debrief: Nothing to separate title rivals

Napoli may have retained their slender lead at the top of Serie A, but their failure to take all three points ensured Atalanta and Fiorentina ended the matchday two points closer than they started it.

The Partenopei have gone two straight games in Serie A without winning for the first time under Conte, having also lost 3-0 to Atalanta last time out. 

They have, however, remained unbeaten in their last two games against Inter when starting the matchday top of Serie A (one win, one draw), after two such defeats versus the Nerazzurri. If the teams are to go head-to-head for the title, this could prove an important point.

Related items

  • Reggae Boyz and West Ham's striker Michail Antonio involved in motor vehicle accident Reggae Boyz and West Ham's striker Michail Antonio involved in motor vehicle accident

    Jamaica's Reggae Boy and West Ham United striker, Michail Antonio, was involved in a road traffic accident on Saturday, the Premier League club confirmed in a statement.

    “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Michail, his family, and friends at this time," West Ham said in a brief message shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

    Details regarding the severity of the incident remain unclear, with the club promising to provide further updates in due course.

    "West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident. The club will issue an update in due course," the statement read.

    The news has sparked concern among fans and the footballing community, with many offering their own messages of support for the player, who has been a key figure for both club and country.

    As more information becomes available, supporters of the 34-year-old forward, known for his contributions on and off the field, will be hoping for a positive outcome.

  • Kicking off a new partnership: CB Foods becomes official protein sponsor of PFJL Kicking off a new partnership: CB Foods becomes official protein sponsor of PFJL

    CB Foods has entered the football arena, kicking off a new three-year league partnership and becoming the Official Protein Sponsor of Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), the managers of the Jamaica Premier League.

    This partnership was sealed on Thursday, December 5th at the offices of the CB Group.

    Janet Sylvester, Divisional Manager of CB Foods Ltd, expressed her company’s enthusiasm about the collaboration.

    “We are thrilled to be part of nation-building. As a company with over 40 years in the industry, we have contributed to various sectors, including agriculture, entertainment, food and beverage, and we are now entering the sports arena. CB Foods aims to combine all our efforts to strengthen the Jamaica Premier League, focusing on youth development and supporting clubs and small businesses,” she disclosed.

    “At CB Group, we practice a culture of sustainability. Our purpose is to make a positive impact, and when we consider the future, our focus is on empowering people who will help us build sustainable industries. This mission aligns closely with our core values at CB Group,” she explained. 

    Samantha Fisher, the Assistant Brand Manager of CB Foods, highlighted the significance of football in Jamaica. 

    "Football is more than just a sport in Jamaica; it’s a way of life, a unifying force, and a celebration of our culture. CB Foods has always been passionate about nourishing our people with care and quality, we are excited to be a part of one of Jamaica’s most beloved national pastimes. Through this collaboration, we hope to ignite excitement, inspire greatness both on and off the field, and connect with the community: the footballers, fans, and foodies." 

    For his part, Owen Hill, CEO of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited, said the CB Foods’ commitment to nation building and community involvement, augurs well the alignment of both entities. 

    “CB Foods is a community brand, and we appreciate their boldness in not only expressing their values but also actively working to make a real difference. Our goal is to positively impact the lives of footballers, the community, and the clubs. This three-year partnership reflects our commitment and passion for changing lives through football. We are excited to see what the next three years will bring,” said Hill. 

    Hill emphasized the benefits of the partnership for the players. 

    “This partnership directly impacts the clubs’ overall mindset because more collaborations like this will lead to greater visibility. Motivation is crucial, as it drives their performance on and off the field,” Hill explained. 

    CB Foods will engage with the community through its brands, including CB Chicken, Caribbean Passion, and Bad Dawg Sausages. We look forward to seeing how they will execute their initiatives at various Jamaica Premier League matches and in the community.

  • Guardiola believes De Bruyne will be difficult to replace at Man City Guardiola believes De Bruyne will be difficult to replace at Man City

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola knows it will be difficult to find a replacement for midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, should the Belgian depart next year.

    The playmaker joined City in 2015 and has played a key role in their trophy-laden spell since then, but he will be out of contract at the end of the season. 

    De Bruyne's season has been hampered by injury, but the 33-year-old started his first Premier League game since August as City returned to winning ways after seven winless games against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. 

    And Guardiola could not stress enough the impact De Bruyne has had on the club.   

    "I'm not involved in it," the City boss said, when quizzed about contract negotiations with De Bruyne. 

    "I would like to have him 23 years old and sign a contract for 10 years, this is what I'd like, we'll see."

    De Bryune signed for City a year before Guardiola's arrival and has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five EFL Cups while also helping them to their first-ever Champions League triumph during the 2022-23 season. 

    "There are players for whom the impact on the legacy of this club will be eternal, will be forever," said Guardiola. 

    "Of course, it is not easy to replace [them], but as a club, we have to find in the moment, if it's going to happen, we have to find the best way."

    Before the game against Forest, Guardiola had to brush aside suggestions of a rift between himself and De Bruyne.

    "People say I've got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? No, I don't want Kevin to play?" he said. 

    "The guy who has the most talent in the final third, I don't want it? I have a personal problem with him after nine years together?

    "He's delivered to me the biggest success to this club, but he's been five months injured [last season] and two months injured [this season].

    "He's 33 years old. He needs time to find his best, like last season, step by step. He'll try to do it and feel better. I'm desperate to have his best."

© 2024 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.