Serie A could be set for its first ‘final’ since 1964

It looked as though the Napoli side that won their first title in three decades had collapsed after finishing 10th last term. But they are now back and on the verge of conquering their fourth Scudetto, although Inter Milan are still not backing down in the fight. Only one point separates them with two games remaining, and that has neutral fans dreaming of an almost unheard of scenario: a final for the Serie A.

Brought back in the 2022/23 campaign, the ‘spareggio’ was introduced as a tiebreaker for when two teams finish level at the end of the season, with something at stake, whether it’s the title or relegation. Direct encounters are used to determine the venue of the final. If that’s not enough, goal difference becomes the deciding factor. 

Since its reintroduction, there has been only one occasion in which a play-off was needed, coming in the very same 2022/23 season. Hellas Verona took on Spezia in a tiebreaker to determine which side would be demoted to Serie B after the two finished the top-flight campaign level on points in 17th and 18th, respectively. The Verona outfit won 1-3 on that occasion, seeing them continue their stay in Serie A.

This year could be Napoli and Inter’s turn. The Nerazzurri, who are second on the table, will be hoping to avoid it after losing in the only tiebreaker they participated in 61 years ago. Led by the legendary Helenio Herrera, the Milan outfit finished the 1963/64 season level on 54 points with Bologna. The Rossoblu, who played in front of their supporters thanks to their better goal difference, won by 2-0 after Inter icon Facchetti turned in his own net, and Harald Nielsen doubled.

Despite the painful memory, Inter may find some relief in the fact that they would almost certainly be playing at the Giuseppe Meazza in case of a tiebreaker this year. Direct matches are disregarded after they both ended in draws, but Simone Inzaghi’s men have a +40 goal difference compared to Napoli’s +27. However, it could be moved to Rome's Stadio Olimpico should Italy's public safety authorities deem it necessary.