Verdict: Napoli win
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways on Sunday night, Napoli will welcome Fiorentina to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Napoli
Starting with the hosts, suffering Champions League frustration earlier in the week as they eventually fell to an action-packed 3-2 loss at home against Spanish giants Real Madrid, Napoli will be seeking an immediate response here. While the reigning Serie A champions might have marked their return from September’s international break with a sluggish 2-2 stalemate away at Genoa, Rudi Garcia’s side have largely come roaring back while on domestic duties. Last seen in top-flight action cruising their way to a 4-0 romp against Leece, the former Lyon boss finds his squad in the midst of a four-match Serie A unbeaten run. With their recent turn in fortune highlighted by a 4-1 victory against Udinese last month, Napoli will be looking to make a statement here. Landing a 1-0 victory when they last welcomed Fiorentina to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona back on May 7th, Garcia’s side will be seeking a repeat performance this weekend.
Team News
Dealing with a recent muscle injury, Napoli are expected to once again be without 29-year-old defender Amir Rrahmani this weekend. Likewise, Garcia’s side are still sweating over the fitness of former Roma star Juan Jesus on Sunday night.
Finding the net in back-to-back Serie A appearances, attacking talisman Victor Osimhen will spearhead Napoli’s charge here. Making just a single start since returning from September’s international break, Italy international Giacomo Raspadori could be handed a full recall.
Fiorentina
As for the visitors, while Fiorentina might have mounted a crucial Europa Conference League comeback at home against Ferencvaros in midweek as they snatched a 2-2 draw, the Viola will feel like they missed out on a golden opportunity. Nevertheless, with their sights set on mounting a top-six charge this time around, Vincenzo Italiano’s side are unbeaten in each of their six appearances across all competitions since returning from September’s international break. Last seen in Serie A action cruising their way to a routine 3-0 romp against Cagliari, the Purples will be desperate to spring a major upset on Sunday night. However, facing what looks set to be a stern examination in Naples, Italiano’s side have shown some extended issues on the road. Including a thumping 4-0 defeat at the hands of Inter Milan on September 3rd, Fiorentina have recorded just a single win from any of their last five showdowns away from the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Team News
Still suffering from another muscle injury, Fiorentina will be unable to call upon former Everton defender Yerry Mina on Sunday night. Likewise, the Purples will travel to Naples without the likes of Dodo, Gaetano Castrovilli and Niccolo Pierozzi.
Coming off the bench and finding the net against Ferencvaros in midweek, ex-Lille star Jonathan Ikone will be hoping for a full recall here. 33-year-old shot-stopper Pietro Terracciano will once again start between the sticks in Naples.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Napoli and Fiorentina last met back on May 7th, Sunday’s hosts collected a 1-0 victory at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
- Napoli have lost just one of their previous seven Serie A showdowns against Fiorentina.
- Fiorentina have managed to muster just a single win from any of their previous five appearances on the road.
- Napoli have landed back-to-back Serie A victories by an aggregate score of 8-1.
- Napoli talisman Victor Osimhen has notched five goals in his opening seven Serie A appearances this season.
Conclusion
Suffering Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Real Madrid in midweek, Napoli will be seeking an immediate response here. Appearing to have turned a domestic corner since returning from September’s international break, Sunday’s hosts have clinched back-to-back domestic victories by an aggregate score of 8-1. With Fiorentina showing some extended issues on their travels this season, the reigning Italian champions will be excited by an eye-catching record against the Viola. Landing a 1-0 win when they welcomed the Purples to town back on May 7th and losing just one of their previous seven Serie A meetings, we are backing a Napoli victory this weekend.
Verdict: Napoli win
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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