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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 22: Fabio Cannavaro, Head Coach of GNK Dinamo, looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Arsenal FC and GNK Dinamo at Emirates Stadium on January 22, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

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.

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.

“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.”

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.”