Prediction: Napoli vs Udinese

25th October 2011

The derby of the round in Italian Serie A will see title contenders Napoli play host to league leaders Udinese in what should be a great game at San Paolo. The Azzurri have a chance to close the gap behind the unlikely leaders to just one point, but, looking at the current form, it is Udinese who have to be considered favourites in this clash.

Napoli have done a brilliant job in the summer transfer window, having not only kept hold of star players Hamsik, Maggio, Lavezzi and Cavani, but also added fresh talented to the squad in the likes of Gookhan Inler, Blerim Dzemaili, Miguel Britos and Goran Pandev, to name just a few. However, a month and a half into the season and the Azurri still don’t look like the team that had an important role to play in Serie A this season. The main reason behind the string of under-par performances is the poor form of key attacking players Hamsik, Lavezzi and Cavani, who don’t have a single goal between them in last three games. This is hardly good news before the clash with high-flying Udinese and after failing to win their last two home games, the Azzurri don’t look capable of ending the poor run in this clash. To add insult to injury, important midfielder Walter Gargano has been ruled out, while Marco Donadel, Miguel Britos and Goran Pandev remain long-term casualties.

Udinese may be surprise leaders of Serie A after seven rounds, bit nobody can say that Francesco Guidolin’s side don’t deserve to lead the title chase. The Zebrette didn’t need a lot of time to find the form that had served them so well last season, but the fact that their results remained absolutely top-notch despite the big change in style of play is really astonishing. While the Zebrette were scoring goals for fun last term and conceding them as well, they have adopted a more cautious approach this season and hats off to Francesco Guidolin for implementing the change without any problems. Udinese are one of just two unbeaten Serie A sides in the current campaign, but they boast by far the best defensive record in the competition, having conceded just one goal so far. The Friulani now boast a very balanced squad, with every single player completely dedicated to team’s cause, and even though all the players are pulling their weight, the effervescent Toto Di Natale remains the only true star in the team. Giampiero Pinzi returns to the side after suspension, but Dusan Basta and Paulo Baretto remain sidelined.

Conclusion

There are no doubts that Napoli boast one of the best squads in Serie A, but the Azzurri are not the same team when Hamsik, Cavani and Lavezzi are not on top of their game. This is something that very good Udinese side can use to their advantage and I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if the Zebrette record another impressive victory on the road.

Verdict: Udinese Draw No Bet

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: Paddy Power