Verdict: Under 2,5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 27/25
Bookmaker: 888sport
Napoli and Inter Milan will close things out in the first week of 2020 action in the Serie A. Both sides are going through opposite runs of form, but one thing is clear. Both teams will aim to get some much-needed three points in this fixture. This game at Stadio San Paolo will kick-off Monday at 19:45 GMT.
Napoli
Napoli are undoubtedly the biggest disappointment of the season. The Partenopei side dismissed Carlo Ancelotti midway through the campaign, and their recent results have not improved since they currently sit 18 points behind the two league leaders, Inter Milan and Juventus. Not only this has been Napoli’s worst position after 17 matches since 2010, but it’s also a fair reflection of their awful form. Napoli have won just once in their last nine Serie A matches (W1, D5, L3) and most of their struggles have come at home where they have won just three of eight games thus far. They have a squad that’s strong enough to perform at a higher level, but it remains to be seen when they will stop underperforming. A win against Inter would be a great way to start, but they have won just once against these rivals in their last five league meetings.
Team News
Kevin Malcuit has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury.
Four other Napoli players are doubtful ahead of this match. The list includes Faouzi Ghoulam (thigh), Kalidou Koulibaly (leg), Fabian Ruiz (illness) and Lorenzo Tonelli (undisclosed).
Inter Milan
Inter Milan open their calendar in high spirits. They sit at the top of the Serie A standings with 42 points and while they are tied with Juventus for the league lead, they have the edge due to their superior goal differential. As things stand right now, The Nerazzurri have the league’s best defence with 14 goals conceded while scoring 36 times, the competition’s third-best scoring output. To make things even better, they are undefeated in their last 10 Serie A matches (W7, D3) while dropping just one all season long. Antonio Conte’s men have been performing at a very high level, and the former Chelsea tactician has his side running at top speed despite key absences to players such as Alexis Sanchez and Stefano Sensi over the last few weeks. They have a tough assignment here, but they should be more than ready to take the three points.
Team News
Danilo D’Ambrosio has already been ruled out due to a leg injury.
Alexis Sanchez (ankle), Nicolo Barella (knee) and Kwadwo Asamoah (undisclosed) have all been listed as questionable.
Key Factors to Consider
- Napoli have lost just once in their last five Serie A matches against Inter Milan (W2, D2, L1).
- Inter Milan have scored just two goals in their last six Serie A games against Napoli, regardless if they are at home or away.
- Napoli average only 0.91 goals scored per game at home in the league this season.
- Inter are on a great run of form since they enter this game on a 10-game undefeated streak in the Serie A. They have won seven and drawn three over that span.
- Only one of the last five league meetings between these two sides has featured over 2.5 goals. Only one of the last eight has featured goals from both sides.
Conclusion
Only one of the last five matches between these two sides has ended with three or more goals. That shouldn’t change here due to Napoli’s scoring struggles and Inter’s solid defensive form.
Expect this one to feature under 2.5 goals in total.
Verdict: Under 2,5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 27/25
Bookmaker: 888sport
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