Old Guard Take Control As New Arrivals Start On The Sidelines In High-Stakes Napoli Vs Inter Milan Fixture | OneFootball

According to La Repubblica, tonight’s Napoli vs Inter clash will be defined by continuity rather than revolution, with Antonio Conte and Cristian Chivu putting faith in experience over exuberance. 

Both sides are leaning heavily on their old guard, with only four summer arrivals expected to start across the two line-ups: a rare snapshot in today’s transfer-driven Serie A.

Antonio Conte has made minimal changes to the backbone of his Scudetto-winning side, as per FCInterNews.

He has introduced only Kevin De Bruyne and the injured Rasmus Hojlund as true pillars of his new cycle.

With Hojlund unavailable, senior figures remain central to Napoli’s plan.

Therefore, the likes of Juan Jesus and Neres are set to feature from the outset after the Champions League setback.

Napoli Vs Inter – Like Conte, Chivu Puts Faith In Old Guard

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

On the opposite bench, Cristian Chivu will also rely on stability.

Inter’s two new starters are expected to be Manuel Akanji and Ange-Yoan Bonny, replacing Pavard and the injured Thuram.

Behind them, however, the core that chased the Scudetto and reached major finals remains untouched.

Meanwhile, Repubblica notes that Inter’s summer investment remains largely on standby.

Sucic is still climbing the hierarchy, while Luis Henrique and Diouf are not yet considered ready for Serie A minutes.

The exception is in attack, where the young frontline has stepped up out of necessity during Thuram’s absence.