According to reports, since the 2022-23 season, a new rule in Serie A states that if two teams are tied at the top, the champion will be decided through a single match. The only precedent for such a match dates back to June 7, 1964, when Bologna defeated Inter 2-0 to claim the title. Since the reintroduction of this rule, this scenario has not occurred, but it may happen this year.

What will the details of this match be, including the venue and timing?

Single-Elimination Match Rules: The match will be played over 90 minutes, and if tied, it will go directly to penalties without extra time. According to the Italian Football Federation’s 2023 decision, the match will be held at the home ground of the team with a better ranking based on specific criteria. Given the complete tie in head-to-head matches between Inter and Napoli (1-1 in both games), the subsequent criteria to determine the host are: goal difference over the entire season (Inter +40, Napoli +27), goals scored (Inter 72, Napoli 52), and finally, a draw.

Under these circumstances, Inter, with a better goal difference, is likely to host. However, if security officials prevent the match from being held at the host team’s stadium due to public order concerns, the match will take place at a neutral venue, likely the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Serie A will also consider security when selecting the venue.

Match Timing: The exact date is yet to be determined and depends on various factors. What is certain is that the match will take place in the last week of May, after the final round of Serie A on May 25. Considering FIFA’s international break from June 2-10 and the mandatory presence of players in national teams from June 1, the match must be held before this date. A key variable is Inter’s potential participation in the UEFA Champions League final on May 31, as Inter is currently in the semifinals of the competition. This could complicate scheduling.

This single-elimination match has added great excitement to the Serie A title race. Given the close performances of Inter and Napoli, Italy’s champion may be decided in a thrilling battle in the final days of spring. The venue and exact date will still be influenced by sporting and security criteria, but fans of both teams eagerly await this historic moment.