Calhanoglu penalty miss proves costly for Inter
Hakan Calhanoglu went from hero to zero as Inter Milan drew 1-1 with Serie A title rival Napoli, scoring a stunning equaliser but missing a late penalty that could have put his side top of the league.
It was Calhanoglu's first miss from the spot in 18 attempts for Inter, and left Inter in fourth, part of a group of four clubs on 25 points with Napoli still top heading into the international break on 26 points.
Scott McTominay put Napoli ahead midway through the first half somewhat against the run of play with a tap-in after Inter failed to deal with a corner.
But Calhanoglu equalised just before the break with a thunderous drive that rocketed into the top corner to level the scores, precision he would be unable to produce later in the game.
Inter might have gone ahead through Federico Dimarco in the 53rd minute but like Calhanoglu from the spot, his low drive hit the post as well.
The hosts pushed for the win after the penalty miss, but could not break down Napoli's defence, although Federico Chiesa had a good chance late on from the edge of the box, but his effort was saved.
Napoli has now gone two straight games in Serie A without winning for the first time under Conte, having also lost 3-0 to Atalanta last time out.
It has, however, remained unbeaten in its past two games against Inter when starting the matchday top of Serie A, after two such defeats versus the Nerazzurri.
If the teams are to go head-to-head for the title, this could prove an important point.
