Article by Tudor Belivacă – Published Sunday, January 11, 2026, 5:55 p.m. / Updated Sunday, January 11, 2026 6:02 p.m.
Marco Materazzi, the legendary defender of Inter, expressed his belief that the “nerazzurri” are the favorites in today's confrontation with Naplesa match of crucial importance in the fight for the Scudetto.
He also showed his support for his former teammate and current team coach, Cristian Chivu, and pointed to the key figures in tonight's duel.
Marco Materazzi: “Inter are stronger in terms of quality. Chivu creates a lot and got into the players' minds”
“Inter are favorites because they play at home and are qualitatively stronger, regardless of the last head-to-head matches. In Turin, they dominated Juventus, and in Napoli they lost due to a penalty never seen before in football, and they also lacked luck.
The change of pace under Chivu's command is a subtle one. Anyone who watches the matches notices that something has changed. It is a recognizable and fluid team. He creates a lot and got into the minds of the players. I never had doubts, because I know what kind of man he is,” Marco Materazzi said, according to sportal.bg.
In my opinion, the key players of the match will be Marcus Thuram and Rasmus Hojlund. I'm crazy about Marcus, he and Lautaro Martínez give meaning and soul to Inter's attacking play. Hojlund, on the other hand, impressed me in the Supercup. Defend the ball, tackle, run and score. He is a modern and complete striker who is difficult to mark. Did you see him against Milan in Riyadh? Such a player pulls the team forward
–Marco Materazzifor the press in Italy, before Inter-Napoli
With a win, Inter can break away at the top of the standings. The team led from the bench by Cristi Chivu has 42 points and is the leader, while Napoli has 38 and is in 4th place.
