Inter rout Parma, De Bruyne double lifts Napoli

NAPLES, ITALY, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —

Inter Milan and Napoli Dominate Serie A Returns as De Bruyne’s Double Lifts Napoli to Victory

The results reinforced Inter’s leadership in the league, now sitting atop the table with 16 points from six matches, while Napoli’s resurgence—following two defeats and a draw in their last five games—lifted them to sixth place with 10 points. The wins also underscored the high stakes in Serie A as second-placed Roma and Lazio, both on 13 points, prepare for their Sunday fixtures, while Cagliari faces a daunting challenge against Juventus.

Inter’s dominance was immediate, with Petar Šćuk, Hakan Çalhanoğlu (who converted a penalty), and Marcus Thuram combining for three goals in the first half. Inter coach Cristian Chivu attributed the team’s strong performance to disciplined preparation during the international break. “After a three-week break, we didn’t know how things would go. We’ve worked well during this period, the players have trained well. I’m happy,” Chivu told DAZN.

For Parma, the defeat marked the inauspicious start for new head coach Alberto Gilardino, who succeeded Carlos Cuesta in late September. Gilardino acknowledged the team’s early missteps, noting that Parma’s lack of experience against Inter’s intensity proved costly. “You always have to be clear-headed at different moments of the game, depending on who you’re playing against and what you’re up against.

The overall picture tonight is that Parma started well, but when you are naive, you pay the price,” he said.

Napoli’s victory was equally decisive, with De Bruyne playing a pivotal role. After a penalty awarded in the 29th minute was initially saved by Lorenzo Palmisani, the spot kick was retaken following a VAR review that ruled the goalkeeper had moved off his line. De Bruyne converted the second attempt, and Noa Lang sealed the win three minutes later.

Scott McTominay, who had recovered from a heart issue, made his return from the substitutes bench to a roaring ovation, though he did not influence the game. De Bruyne added a second goal late in the match, rounding out his standout performance.

The win was particularly significant for Napoli, who had struggled to find consistency before the international break. “We had to win,” De Bruyne told Sky. “It’s a very difficult schedule, but we have to move forward and do our best.” The result also highlighted Napoli’s resilience, as they navigated a challenging fixture list while rebuilding confidence.

Looking ahead, Roma and Lazio—both on 13 points—will test their mettle on Sunday, with Roma traveling to Como and Lazio hosting Monza. Meanwhile, Cagliari, currently fourth with 12 points, faces a formidable test at home against Juventus, a fixture that could further shake up the league’s upper echelons. The next round of matches will determine whether Inter’s lead remains unassailable or if Napoli’s momentum can translate into a sustained push for higher rankings.

Related: Kevin De Bruyne · Naples, Italy