Prediction: Napoli vs Lazio

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals in first-half

Best Odds: 11/8

Bookmaker: Unibet

In what is a heavyweight showdown in Italy on Thursday night, Napoli will welcome Lazio to The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in midweek.

Napoli

Starting with the hosts, after throwing away the lead against runaway leaders Inter Milan last weekend, Napoli have still largely impressed on either side of the international break. Feeling like they deserved more from Sunday’s meeting at The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Gli Azzurri have lost just one of their last 10 matchups across all formats, a run that stems back to February 21st. Despite coming crashing out of the Europa League at the hands of Spanish outfit Granada earlier in the year, Gennaro Gattuso’s men still have their sights firmly set on securing a Champions League return for next season. Knowing that victory this week could see them leapfrog Juventus and break into the top-four, the former AC Milan boss has also seen his side continue to impress on home soil. Including a victory against the defending champions back in February, Napoli are unbeaten in each of their last 10 home fixtures, winning eight of those matchups.

Team News

Midfielder Diego Demme will miss out on Thursday night due to suspension.

The 29-year-old will join former Arsenal keeper and Faouzi Ghoulam on the sidelines.

Lazio

As for the visitors, while Lazio might have seen their Champions League adventure come to an end last month, The Eagles have bounced back in a very impressive fashion. Only continuing on a real purple patch on either side of the international break, Simone Inzaghi’s men have won each of their last five Serie A matchups on the spin after a brief womble when opening March. With the mood in their camp still at a real high, Lazio once again put in another action-packed display last weekend. Eventually managing to land what was a stunning 5-3 win against Benevento on Sunday, The Blues have also managed to land back-to-back victories away from The Stadio Olimpico. Looking to extend on their stellar run when they travel to Naples on Thursday night, Inzaghi’s side should also be boosted by their most recent meeting against Gli Azzurri. When the two sides faced off back in December, I Biancocelesti picked up a 2-0 win on home soil.

Team News

Long-term absentee Luiz Felipe will once again miss out on Thursday due to an ankle injury.

Felipe Caicedo picked up his fifth yellow card of the season last week and is suspended for this game.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Thursday’s opponents last faced off back in December, Lazio picked up a 2-0 win on home soil.
• Napoli are unbeaten in each of their last 10 straight matchups at The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, winning eight of those matchups.
• Lazio have won each of their last five Serie A matchups on the bounce, including a 5-3 win against Benevento over the weekend.
• Four of Napoli’s last five home fixtures have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Including a brace last weekend, Lazio striker Ciro Immobile has recorded 16 Serie A goals so far this season.

Conclusion

In a battle between two sides who have their sights set on making a late charge for the top-four, we could have a lively meeting on our hands in midweek. Coming off the back of that action-packed 5-3 win against Benevento over the weekend, Lazio have only continued on a real domestic purple patch on either side of the international break. However, while Napoli might have been left disappointed to have only collected a point against runaway leaders Inter Milan last time out, Thursday’s hosts have gained a reputation for their success on home soil. Unbeaten in each of their last 10 fixtures at The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, don’t be surprised to see chances come thick and fast in midweek. With Lazio’s last five Serie A matchups producing 17 goals, we’re backing a similar meeting on Thursday.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals in first-half

Best Odds: 11/8

Bookmaker: Unibet