Verdict: Hellas Verona to win – yes
Best Odds: 14/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
Hellas Verona are fighting for a UEFA Europa League berth ahead of the 2020-21 season, but Napoli are pursuing the same goal. These two European hopefuls will collide Tuesday in a thrilling matchup, where a win could end up being massive. Kick-off for this contest has been announced for 18:30 GMT.
Hellas Verona
Verona have undoubtedly been one of the biggest surprises in any of the Top 5 leagues this season, as they find themselves battling for a UEFA Europa League spot deep in the 2019-20 Serie A season following just one defeat in their last 10 league contests (W5, D4, L1). They also enter this matchup on a strong run of form with four consecutive wins at Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi and an early start might boost their chances of getting a positive result – they have taken the three points in every home game where they’ve found the back of the net first. Making this game even bigger for them is the fact they sit just one point behind Napoli in the race for that final UEL berth. Verona a good bet to continuing their home form and steal at least one point, but getting all three would be even better for their cause. For what is worth, they own a W7, D3, L3 mark at home while conceding just one goal per contest.
Team News
Pawel Dawidowicz (muscle), Valentin Eysseric (tendon) and Matteo Pessina (muscle) have all been ruled out for Verona ahead of this contest.
Napoli
Napoli have been one of the league’s biggest disappointments this season with a W11, D6, L9 record – that translates to sixth place and 39 points. On paper, that’s not “too bad” for the Partenopei side. However, they have been title contenders for the bigger portion of the last 10 years and also sit 12 points away from a UEFA Champions League berth, so they have taken more than a few steps in the wrong direction. They seem to be turning things around, however, as they have gone W4, L1 in their last five matches, including a three-game winning streak. They have also posted the exact same record in their last five away matches, so they should have enough in them to, at least, threaten Hellas Verona from getting a point. Napoli know winning here could be massive for their Europa League chances, so they’re not expected to treat this game lightly.
Team News
Stanislav Lobotka has been ruled out due to an undisclosed injury. Kevin Malcuit will also miss this contest due to a knee problem.
Key Factors to Consider
- Napoli are undefeated in their last six competitive matches against Verona, winning each of those contests. All those wins have come by, at least, a two-goal margin.
- Only team has scored in six of the last seven H2H matches between these two sides. Four of those contests have ended with under 3.5 total goals.
- Four of Napoli’s last five games in all competitions have ended with both teams scoring. The same outcome has happened in three of Verona’s last four contests.
- Verona have found the back of the net at least twice in each of their last five matches. They have also done that in seven of their last nine at this venue.
Conclusion
Napoli are favourites here based on their squad depth. However, it remains to be seen whether that’s enough after they played two tight contests in the Coppa Italia. Verona have also looked dangerous at home, and they know this is a huge opportunity to move closer to a UEFA Europa League berth.
Expect Hellas Verona to pull the upset and claim the three points in this contest.
Verdict: Hellas Verona to win – yes
Best Odds: 14/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
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