Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 10/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Meeting for the second time in the space of a few days, Napoli will welcome Lazio to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday night.
Napoli
Starting with the hosts, watching their Coppa Italia adventure come to an abrupt end on Thursday night as they fell to a 3-1 loss at the Stadio Olimpico, Napoli will be seeking some immediate revenge here. Nevertheless, while Antonio Conte might have been frustrated by a downbeat performance in midweek, the Italian giants are still leading the chase at the top of the Serie A table and they have continued to receive plenty of praise. Last seen in top-flight action opening December with a rugged 1-0 victory away at Torino, the former Chelsea boss will be excited to make a return to home soil on Sunday night. Marking their return from November’s international break with a 1-0 win against historic rivals Roma, Conte’s side have continued to impress with their success at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Aside from a remarkable 3-0 drumming against Atalanta last month, Napoli have won each of their other eight domestic appearances so far this season.
Napoli Team News
Missing out at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night and still dealing with a recent muscle issue, one-time Parma defender Pasquale Mazzocchi remains on the sidelines. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance so far this season, Mario Rui will not feature on Sunday night.
Handed a Coppa Italia rest earlier in the week, former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku will make a full return here. Bagging the winner away at Torino last weekend and making an immediate impact after arriving from Manchester United over the summer, Scott McTominay will start in the middle of the park.
Lazio
As for the visitors, extending on their Coppa Italia adventure earlier in the week as they stormed their way to that 3-1 victory, Lazio will be seeking a repeat performance here. Although Marco Baroni’s men might have slumped to a shock 3-1 loss at the hands of Parma last weekend, the Eagles have their sights firmly set on booking a Champions League return this season. Marking their return from November’s international break with a 3-0 romp against Bologna, Sunday’s guests have suffered just a sole defeat from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions. Enjoying what has become a sensational Europa League romp after mustering 13 points from their first five outings, Lazio will also be excited by an eye-catching record against the Serie A leaders. Including that Coppa Italia success in midweek, Baroni’s side have also collected seven points from their previous three top-flight battles against Napoli.
Lazio Team News
Dealing with a recent thigh issue and once again missing out on Thursday night, Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares remains a major doubt here. Likewise, suffering from a recent ankle injury, Senegal international Boulaye Did is not expected to be part of Lazio’s squad this weekend.
Bagging a famous Coppa Italia hat-trick at the Stadio Olimpico in midweek, summer recruit Tijjani Noslin will be hoping to keep his spot in Baroni’s starting XI. Matteo Guendouzi should be handed a full recall on Sunday night and join Juventus loanee Nicolo Rovella in the middle of the park.
Napoli vs Lazio Key Factors to Consider
- When Napoli and Lazio met for a Coppa Italia showdown on Thursday night, the Eagles collected a thumping 3-1 win at the Stadio Olimpico.
- Likewise, Lazio have collected seven points from their previous three Serie A meetings against Sunday’s hosts.
- Napoli have won eight of their first nine domestic home fixtures so far this season.
- Lazio have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions.
- Six of the last eight meetings between Napoli and Lazio have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
With Lazio storming their way to a 3-1 Coppa Italia victory on Thursday night, the Eagles will be desperate for a repeat performance here. In a contest that tends to proceed plenty of fireworks, neutrals will be hoping for another thriller this weekend. Although Napoli might have continued to gain a reputation for their dominance on home soil, Lazio will be excited by an eye-catching record against the Serie A leaders. With the Eagles mustering seven points from their previous three top-flight battles, Baroni’s camp are capable of springing an upset.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 10/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
