Prediction: Napoli vs Monza

Verdict: Under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Desperate to claim a crucial domestic boost on Friday evening, Napoli will welcome Monza to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Napoli

Starting with the hosts, while Napoli might have made real history last season as they secured a first Serie A crown since 1990, Walter Mazzarri’s men have continued to find any kind of stability this time around. Crashing out of the Coppa Italia on December 19th following an infamous 4-0 drumming at home against Frosinone, the one-time Watford boss already finds some mounting pressure on his shoulders. Likewise, last seen putting in another toothless performance as they slumped to a 2-0 loss away at Roma, the Azzurri are now facing a major battle in their bid to claim a top-four finish in the New Year. Already sat 17 points adrift in the title chase, Napoli have lost five of their previous seven showdowns across all competitions – a run that stems back to November 25th. With just a pair of victories at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona from their last nine appearances, Mazzarri’s side will be desperate to claim a crucial domestic boost this weekend.

Team News

Both shown their own respective red cards against Roma last week, Napoli will be unable to call upon the suspended duo of Matteo Politano and attacking talisman Victor Osimhen here. Likewise, not making a single appearance over the past month and dealing with a recent knee injury, Mazzarri’s side will be without 26-year-old defender Mathias Olivera.

Although Georgia international Khvicha Kvaratskhelia might have notched just one goal in his previous seven appearances across all competitions, the 22-year-old will have a leading role to play in Osimhen’s absence.

Monza

As for the visitors, although Monza might have secured a much-welcomed 1-0 victory against Genoa earlier in the month, it appears that might have just been a minor boost for Raffaele Palladino’s side. Last seen putting in a toothless performance on home soil as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Fiorentina, the Biancorossi have come tumbling down the Serie A standings. Including a routine 3-0 drumming against AC Milan on December 17th, Monza have recorded just a single win from any of their previous six top-flight appearances. Likewise, failing to collect back-to-back victories since the start of October, Friday’s guests have shown some extended issues on the road. Winning just a pair of their first eight Serie A showdowns away from the Stadio Brianteo this season, Palladino’s men will be hoping to spring a heavyweight upset in Naples this weekend.

Team News

Not making a single appearance since back on September 17th, Monza will once again be unable to call upon former Sampdoria forward Gianluca Caprari on Friday evening. Missing out against Fiorentina last week and dealing with a recent knock, Palladino’s men are once again sweating over the fitness of Andrea Carboni here.

Although one-time Juventus starlet Dany Mota might have bagged just a single Serie A strike in his first 16 top-flight appearances this season, the 25-year-old should keep his spot leading Monza’s charge this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Napoli and Monza last met back on May 14th, Friday’s guests picked up a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Brianteo.
• The defending Serie A champions have recorded just a pair of wins from their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, Monza have won just a pair of their first eight showdowns on the road so far this season.
• Napoli have won just a pair of their last nine straight appearances at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
• The Azzurri have drawn a blank in four of their previous six appearances across all formats.

Conclusion

Two sides who have continued to show their own respective issues this season, neutrals could be treated to a cagey affair on Friday evening. With the defending champions remarkably winning just a pair of their previous nine showdowns at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, chances could come at a real premium here. With Napoli drawing a blank in four of their last six appearances across all competitions, we are predicting a low-scoring showdown in Naples this weekend.

Verdict: Under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster