Prediction: Lecce vs Napoli

Prediction: Napoli win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: 888sport

Another set of Serie A fixtures await us this weekend as we kickstart the final ten-game stretch towards the end of the campaign. There’s still a whole lot to be resolved from the top to the bottom of the table but for the first time in a few years, there’s already a fair bit of clarity. Today, we’ll be taking a look at something of a David vs Goliath collision as Lecce prepare to collide with Napoli on Friday night.

Lecce

As one of the original yo-yo teams in European football, it wasn’t surprising to see Lecce bounce back up to the big time last season. This is a club that has only ever reached as high as a ninth place finish in the top tier, and this time around, they’re back in the relegation scrap. Their recent form has left a lot to be desired and while many still fancy them to stay up, they need to find a way to halt their current slump.

Napoli

This season has been a pretty memorable one for Napoli, to say the least. After years of flirting with a return to their best form, they have exploded into life both domestically and in European competition. There is a very good chance they could go all the way in the Champions League and in Serie A, many believe it’s simply a matter of time before they are confirmed as the new kings of Italy for the first time since 1990.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in August, Lecce and Napoli drew 1-1.
• Lecce have won one and lost five of their last six games.
• Napoli have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Lecce have scored two goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• Napoli have scored 11 goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

It’s quite easy to see that these two sides are trending in very different directions and in equal measure, the form book suggests this should be something of a slam dunk for the visitors. Alas, there’s something to be said for the art of camping the bus in Italian football, and we do expect to see a lot of that from Lecce. In the end, though, it won’t matter, as Napoli edge out a close victory to move one step closer to glory.

Prediction: Napoli win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: 888sport