Inter Milan just one win away from winning the Scudetto as Napoli get booed off after loss to Lazio at home

Inter are just one win away from securing the Serie A title. (Image credits – Heute; licence details).

Napoli were booed off the field after they lost 2-0 at home to Lazio, which has put Inter Milan in the driver's seat for the Serie A title. If they win their next game, they will secure the Scudetto. Napoli were poor and lethargic on the night and could've lost by a bigger margin. Matteo Cancellieri and Toma Basic scored for the visitors.

Inter can now usurp the Serie A crown from Napoli next week if they beat Torino and if Napoli fail to beat Cremonese. AC Milan could also delay their rival’s celebrations, but for that they must win their next two games against Hellas Verona and Juventus. Inter are 12 points clear of Napoli and 15 points clear of AC Milan with just five games left to play for each side, making them firm favourites to win.

The fans were furious at the home side for the lack of efforts in the game and even booed off their top performers Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay as their hopes of defending the Scudetto faded away. Napoli will fight only for the Champions League spot now and will finish trophyless this season as things remain.

The Napoli boss slammed his midfielders following the game, saying, "This was not a good match for us; we put very little quality in midfield.” (sic)

"Lazio waited for us and hit on the counter. We had 70 per cent possession and did not manage a single shot on target.” (sic)

He added, "We had studied the match, but we were not good enough. When this team lacks energy, quality drops. Perhaps I was not good enough at sensing the malaise that developed after Parma.” (sic)

The Italian manager also responded to speculation about his future after Napoli President Aurelio de Laurentiis hinted that he could be on the way out of the club if he fails to deliver the goals this season.

"If I had something to say to him, I would do it in private, not in public, because then the people and the media cannot see anything else. More is said in silence, and the better it is. It applies to everyone until the championship ends,” said Conte following the game. (sic)

He added, "I understand that my name is used to write and make newspaper pages and broadcasts, but sometimes things are invented and exploited. Behind the scenes, you can do a thousand things. But in these situations, the more we are in silence and focused on the team, the better it is, also as a form of respect for those who have always supported us.” (sic)

The potential departure of Conte next season could change the whole sporting project of Napoli that he was building with the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, McTominay and Kevin de Bruyne. McTominay could also depart the club, as he's being linked with a return to the Premier League. However, Hojlund is expected to be bought permanently, or his loan spell will be extended further, keeping him at the club.

Napoli, who had clinched the Scudetto last season, should trust Conte’s sporting project and keep him for another season, as injuries had been a big problem for the team this season. The squad also needs additions in midfield and defence, as there is an evident lack of squad depth which is not good enough for competing in Europe. Rumours suggest that the club could approach Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri to replace Conte in case he leaves for the national team job.