Scudetto Playoff: Every possible rule and scenario as Inter close in on Napoli in title race

Napoli still lead the Serie A table with two games remaining, but their lead over Inter has been cut to just one point after a 2-2 draw with Genoa and a 2-0 win for the Nerazzurri away to Torino on Sunday.

Italian media have given a look at the rules, possible dates and scenarios for a rare play-off match for the Scudetto.

What is a play-off for the Scudetto?

In the event that two teams finish the Serie A season with equal points at the top of the table, the title will not be decided based on head-to-head results, goal difference or goals scored, but in a single play-off match.

This is the case even if two teams finish the Serie A season with equal points in 17th and 18th place in the Serie A table, i.e. the difference between the tie and relegation places. However, in this scenario, the play-offs are played over two legs, instead of just one.

There are no play-offs for teams that finish with equal points elsewhere in the Serie A table. In these situations, head-to-head matches are the first determining factor to separate teams that have equal points.

There has only been one Serie A play-off match before, which took place at the end of the 2022/23 season. This match would determine the relegation places and Spezia were ultimately relegated after a 3-1 defeat against Hellas Verona.

How does a play-off match for the Serie A title work?

A play-off match for the Scudetto is practically the same as any other cup final or knockout match. It will be a single match that will go to extra time and then to penalties if the score is still level after full time.

The Scudetto knockout match is not played at a neutral venue. It will be hosted by the team with the highest ranking of the two teams involved.

To determine who gets the hosting rights, the result of the head-to-head matches is the first determining factor, then the goal difference in the head-to-head matches, then the overall goal difference in the league, and then the total number of goals scored in the league.

In the event that both teams are equal in all four of these factors, there will be a random draw for the right to host the play-off match.

What needs to happen for a Serie A play-off in the 2024-25 season?

As things stand, Napoli lead the Serie A title by one point over Inter with two games remaining. The title will be decided by a play-off if the two teams finish the season on equal points.

Here are all the possible scenarios left in play:

- If Napoli wins both remaining games … Napoli will win the title outright, regardless of Inter's results.

- If Napoli wins one match and draws one … Inter will need two wins to win the Serie A title. If Inter wins one match and draws another, or worse, Napoli will still win the title outright.

- If Napoli wins one and loses one … Inter will win the title with two wins. If Inter wins one and draws one in this scenario, the title will be decided by a play-off match. If Inter wins one and loses the other, or worse, Napoli will win the title with two wins.

- If Napoli draws in both remaining games … Inter will win the Serie A title with four points from their last two games. Three points for Inter will send the title to a play-off in this scenario. If Inter takes two points or less from their last two games, Napoli will win the title outright.

- If Napoli draws one and loses one … Inter will win the Serie A title with a win from their final two games of the season. Two draws with Inter will send the title to a play-off in this scenario. A draw and a loss, or two losses, will see Napoli win the title outright.

- If Napoli lose both remaining games … Inter will win the Serie A title with a win from their final two games. A draw and a loss to Inter will send the title to a play-off in this scenario. Napoli will win the title outright if both teams lose their final two games of the season. /Telegraph/