Frank Christian
The thrilling title race for the most competitive league in Europe is set to conclude on Friday, May 23.
As the season reaches its climax, Napoli and Inter are neck and neck at the top of Serie A, with only one point dividing them. Having faced back-to-back draws, Antonio Conte’s team has allowed the Nerazzurri a glimmer of hope.
On Monday, league officials announced that the top two teams will play their final matches of the 2024/25 season simultaneously for fairness. The clash for the Scudetto will unfold over the concluding 90 minutes of the 38-match campaign—unless Napoli and Inter finish with an identical point total.
The Sporting News explores the different scenarios and possible outcomes below, including the chance of a championship playoff.
Who will take the Serie A title: Napoli or Inter Milan?
With just one matchday left, Napoli leads Serie A, with Inter Milan trailing by a point. One of these clubs will be crowned champions on Friday, May 23.
Napoli will take on Cagliari at home for their last game. The Sardinians are safe from relegation and can’t place higher than 14th.
Meanwhile, Inter will face Como away at the same time. Cesc Fabregas’ squad is locked into a 10th-place finish.
Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 8:45 p.m. local time (2:45 p.m. ET).
Possible scenarios for the Serie A title 2024/25
This week’s showdown is expected to be a straightforward contest for the Scudetto.
Napoli will secure the title if:
- Napoli wins against Cagliari
- Inter Milan loses to Como
- Both teams end in a draw
Inter Milan will claim the title if:
- Inter triumphs over Como AND Napoli does not win against Cagliari
If Inter finishes level with Como while Napoli loses, things could take a captivating turn.
What occurs if Napoli and Inter end up with the same points?
Should Inter draw their last match and Napoli lose, both teams would finish with 79 points.
Most European leagues utilize goal difference or head-to-head records as tie-breakers, but Italy has its own approach.
If Napoli and Inter end the season with equal points, a single match will be held to determine the champions.
This rule was reinstated in Serie A for the 2022/23 season for teams vying for the title or fighting against relegation. The Scudetto was notably settled in this manner back in 1964: following a tie in points between Bologna and Inter, the Rossoblu triumphed in a playoff match 2-0 at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
In the 2022/23 season, Hellas Verona won a playoff match against Spezia 3-1 to avoid relegation, sending their adversaries down instead.
