Napoli defends top spot despite slip-up

SSC Napoli slipped up in Parma – but still remained top of the table. IMAGO/IPA Sport

SSC had one point more than their closest rivals Inter going into matchday 37, and with a win at Parma, Conte's team could already clinch the Serie A title – provided Lazio Rome could help them out in the parallel game against Milan. However, that also meant that if Napoli dropped points and Inter won the parallel game, Milan would overtake them. A win was therefore a must for the visitors.

However, there was no sign of that in the opening stages. Bonny (3rd, 7th) tested Meret twice in the Napoli goal, whose forwards were still finding their feet. Politano (12th, 17th) was the first way for SSC to make their attacking appearance – and subsequently took control of the game.

Nevertheless, good chances remained scarce. In a relieving attack, Sohm tested Meret with a powerful shot, who again reacted well (30'). Three minutes later, Anguissa had the best chance of the first half: After a fine lob over Leoni, the midfielder only hit the inside of the post as he fell. Unfortunately for Conte's team, the score was 0-0 at halftime.

Because Inter had taken a lead into the break, Napoli had slipped to second place in the live standings – and had to deliver accordingly after the break. Instead, Parma took the lead after the restart – and Sohm tested Meret again from distance (46').

But then, as in the first half, SSC also had their chances: Raspadori was stopped in the penalty area (57'), and a minute later, a misdirected Politano cross hit the crossbar. And that wasn't enough: a picture-perfect free kick from McTominay from 22 meters was deflected onto the woodwork by Suzuki's fingertips in the 72nd minute for the third time from Napoli's perspective. However, Napoli continued to create few chances from open play.

So the final phase began, and with Inter now leading 2-1 in the parallel match, the visitors desperately needed a goal – but Napoli weren't showing any signs of it. The game trickled uneventfully towards the finish line – could these be the minutes in which Napoli lost the title?

At least those in which SSC gave Milan a perfect opportunity, because Conte's team was unable to respond. Parma, who could certainly use the point in their relegation battle, parked their bus and repeatedly thwarted the visitors. The match ended 0-0, partly because a late penalty for Napoli was canceled after a VAR check for a previous foul.