Napoli, Inter Milan Serie A title fight comes down to final day

Napoli will wrap up the last major European league title still to be decided on Friday, if they beat Cagliari in the final game of the season.

Champions League finalists and defending Serie A champions Inter Milan are just a point behind the league leaders, however, so any slip-up could see a dramatic finale to the Italian season – including a playoff between the top two.
What do Napoli need to secure the title?
The league leaders’ equation is quite straightforward – beat Cagliari and the Serie A title is heading to Naples once again.

A draw would not be enough, however, should Inter Milan win at Como.

For Inter, who will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 31, a draw would be enough to set up a playoff with Napoli for the title.

Where would the playoff be staged?
The Serie A rules dictate that the team with the better head-to-head between the top two will stage the tie. If that scenario is not decisive, the team with the superior goal difference will play host.Both league encounters ended in 1-1 draws this season. Inter’s goal difference is 12 better than Napoli’s, so the former would host the match at their San Siro Stadium.

Why are the teams playing on Friday and when would the playoff be held?
Napoli and Inter’s matches have been scheduled for Friday to give Inter adequate time to prepare for the Champions League final, even in the unlikely event that the two teams finish level on points and leave the title to be decided by a playoff on Monday.

The threat of a playoff has complicated the season finale, in particular for Inter, whose showdown with Paris Saint-Germain in Munich is now the priority with their league title defence as good as over.