Simone Inzaghi insisted that Inter would have to be perfect if they are to navigate the challenge of Napoli and come away with a victory over their Serie A title rivals.

Inzaghi watched on as his team booked their place in the Coppa Italia semi-final for the fifth time in the last six seasons with a 2-0 win over Lazio in midweek. 

But now their attention turns to a potentially season-defining clash at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with just a point separating the two teams at the summit. 

Inter will start the matchday as the league leaders for the second time this season, after also doing so in mid-September (1-1 at Monza), but this game means more. 

For the fifth time in the last 10 seasons (since 2015-16), Napoli and Inter will compete when starting the matchday in the top two positions of the Serie A table. Three of those meetings have ended in a draw, including the reverse fixture earlier this season (1-1).

And when asked about the potential impact the encounter could have on the title race, Inzaghi did not play down the magnitude of Saturday's clash. 

"It will change a lot, we need to get through a difficult match in the best possible way," Inzaghi said. 

"In big matches, we haven't done as well as in previous years. We need to be perfect."

Despite Napoli failing to win their last four league matches (D3 L1), Inzaghi added that Antonio Conte's side have impressed him with their performances this campaign. 

"Napoli have changed their formation, they have excellent players and an excellent coach, very well organised," he said. 

"They know exactly what to do on the pitch, with one system or the other, they deserve compliments. They've had a great journey and it will be a fantastic challenge tomorrow."

Regarding key injuries, Inzaghi confirmed that Yann Sommer, Carlos Augusto, Matteo Darmian, and Nicola Zalewski will miss the game, with possible tactical adjustments.

"Marcus Thuram has been working well and might feature, but it's not guaranteed he will start," he added.

Inzaghi also lauded his team for their progress this season, particularly in Europe, where they remain the only Italian side in contention for silverware in Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League. 

"Every game requires energy, but we are among the few teams still in contention for all our goals," he said. "We will continue to aim high, one game at a time."