Prediction: Napoli vs Como

Verdict: Napoli win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Looking to extend their buffer at the top of the Serie A table, Napoli will welcome Como to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Friday night.

Napoli

Starting with the hosts, while Napoli might have endured a public Serie A nightmare last season, the Azzurri have only continued on a spectacular rise under new boss Antonio Conte. Skyrocketing their way to the top of the table and now pencilled in as a genuine title contender this year, the former Tottenham managed finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Last seen putting in another dominant display as they clinched a 2-0 victory against Monza, the Sky Blues have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across Italy’s elite. Extending on their Coppa Italia adventure on September 26th as they secured a 5-0 romp against Serie B outfit Palermo, Napoli will simply be looking to make another statement here. Mustering 13 points from just their previous five top-flight appearances, Conte’s side have also impressed with their rugged performances at the back.

Team News

Yet to make a single appearance so far this season and clearly not part of Conte’s first-team plans, veteran defender Mario Rui will once again miss out here. Likewise, still dealing with a recent muscle injury, number one goalkeeper Alex Meret will not feature on Friday night.

One-time Leeds shot-stopper Elia Caprile will once again start between the sticks this weekend. While Romelu Lukaku might have failed to find the net in any of his previous three domestic appearances across all competitions, Romelu Lukaku will spearhead Napoli’s charge.

Como

As for the visitors, while Como might have endured a real struggle prior to September’s international break, Cesc Fabregas’ men have certainly turned a real corner. Now collecting back-to-back 3-2 victories against Verona and Atalanta respectively, the former Arsenal skipper will be relishing a heavyweight trip to Naples on Friday night. Likewise, mustering seven points from their previous three showdowns against Serie A opposition, the Lombardy-based outfit have skyrocketed their way into the top-half of the table. However, despite enjoying what has become a real purple patch, Como know the importance of finding some crucial defensive resolve. Along with opening the new campaign with a routine 3-0 defeat away at Juventus, Fabregas’ side have conceded 11 top-flight strikes from their first six appearances and are pencilled in as a real underdog contender this weekend.

Team News

Heading into Friday’s trip to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Como have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns to worry about. While former Roma striker Andrea Belotti might have opened his Serie A account last weekend, the 30-year-old will have to settle for a spot on the bench.

Registering a brace against Verona last week and already bagging five goals across all competitions, one-time Wolves misfit Patrick Cutrone will lead Fabregas’ attack. Really impressing since arriving over the summer, former Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno will keep his spot at left-back.

Key Factors to Consider

• Friday’s showdown at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona is the first meeting between Napoli and Como since way back in February 2004.
• Napoli have collected 13 points from their previous five Serie A appearances.
• Conte’s side have not conceded a single strike in almost 450 minutes of action.
• Como have registered seven points from their three Serie A appearances since returning from September’s international break.
• However, Friday’s guests have already shipped 11 goals in their first six top-flight appearances so far this season.

Conclusion

While Como might be enjoying a real purple patch since returning from September’s international break, Fabregas’ side will be more than aware that they face a stern examination here. With Napoli opening up this weekend’s fixtures leading the chase at the top of the Serie A table, the Azzurri will simply be looking to lay down another marker on home soil. With the top-flight returners still showing some extended defensive struggles, we are predicting a home victory from Naples.

Verdict: Napoli win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Dachbet