Cannavaro: Similarities between Napoli-Inter title fight and Real Madrid-Barcelona in 2007 | OneFootball

Former Italy national team captain Fabio Cannavaro sees similarities between the Napoli-Inter title fight and the battle between Real Madrid and Barcelona during the 2006-07 season, when the LaLiga title was also decided on the final day.

Cannavaro, who represented both Napoli and Inter during his playing days, joined Real Madrid after the 2006 World Cup and was part of Fabio Capello’s squad when they beat Barcelona to the league title on the final day that season.

Madrid and Barcelona were level on points heading into the final day, and though his side were 1-0 down at half-time, they fought back to record a 3-1 victory over Mallorca, which was enough for them to beat Barca to the title on head-to-head.

MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Fabio Cannavaro (R) of Real Madrid tackles Lionel Messi of Barcelona during the Primera Liga match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on October 22, 2006 in Madrid, Spain (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

This season in Serie A, Napoli and Inter are separated by just one point heading into the final round of 2024-25 fixtures. The two teams will both play simultaneously on Friday night to settle the title.

A victory for Napoli will secure Antonio Conte a Serie A title with his third different club, but a draw will leave the Partenopei requiring a favour from Cesc Fabregas and Como in their match at home against Inter.

Cannavaro on Serie A title fight, Real Madrid comparisons and Conte

Cannavaro spoke about the similarities between his experiences with Real Madrid and the current Serie A title fight between Napoli and Inter in an interview with Sky Sport Italia.

“Coach Capello was decisive in that experience,” Cannavaro told Sky.

epa10494184 Former Italian soccer coach Fabio Capello arrives for the The Best FIFA Football Awards 2022 ceremony in Paris, France, 27 February 2023. EPA-EFE/YOAN VALAT

“We were down at half-time, he calmed us down and gave us maximum support. Napoli, from this point of view, can rest easy: They have a leader like Conte on the bench.”

He went on to explain what Napoli will need to do if they are to beat Inter to the title on Friday night.

“They’ll play at home against Cagliari, who are already safe, but this means nothing. They will have to go out onto the pitch, do the simple things right and win the game. The supporters will be able to contribute a lot.”

NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 11: Antonio Conte Napoli head coach reacts during the Serie A match between Napoli and Genoa at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

And, on the future of Conte, who has been linked with a return to Juventus in the summer, Cannavaro added: “Antonio is clearly an intelligent guy. He’s managed the team well, and also a club that has in recent years gone through some difficulties in terms of communication.

“Conte is right to ask for guarantees. He’s a coach who gives a lot, but demands just as much.”