Pazzini names Inter and Napoli difference makers and sees ‘trap’ in Serie A title race | OneFootball

Former Italy striker Giampaolo Pazzini feels Denzel Dumfries and Giacomo Raspadori could be the difference makers for Inter and Napoli in the Serie A title race and warns the Partenopei about a ‘trap to avoid.’

Inter and Napoli take to the field on Sunday in Serie A Week 34. They are level on 71 points at the top of the Serie A table with just five games remaining.

“Both sides can win five games out of five. The Rome-based clubs can be tough obstacles for Inter, but in this league, you can drop points against anyone if you are not 100% focused and fit,” Pazzini told Gazzetta.

Pazzini names Inter and Napoli difference makers and sees ‘trap’ in Serie A title race

NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 09: Giacomo Raspadori of Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between Napoli and Fiorentina at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 09, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Inter have a tougher fixture list on paper, meeting Roma today and Lazio in May. Furthermore, they are still involved in the Champions League and will meet Barcelona in the semis with the first leg played in Spain next week.

“Inter have been playing one game every three days for the last month, and many have been do-or-die matches,” said the ex-Inter, Milan and Samp striker.

“A packed schedule can wear you down and cost you something, just as much as feeling Napoli breathing down your neck.”

Napoli struggled to beat Monza next week, but still managed to get all three points and catch the Nerazzurri at the top of the table. What are the risks for the Partenopei?

“A negative result and the mounting pressure can slow them down,” noted Pazzini.

Denzel Dumfries captains Inter against Feyenoord in the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Feyenoord (picture: @inter via X).

“At the start of the campaign, it was hard to tip Napoli for the title, but if you are at the top with five games to go, early-season talk no longer matters.

“Conte is brilliant when he insists Napoli are chasing a dream rather than an objective, but those who dream big may also feel the pressure; that’s a trap they really need to avoid.”

Which Inter and Napoli players could make a difference in the last five games of the season?

“Besides Thuram, Dumfries’ return is crucial and we saw the best version of Raspadori when Neres was unavailable,” Pazzini concluded.

“With him, Conte can switch systems, and he’s incredibly sharp, even when he plays for just a few minutes.”