Prediction: Sampdoria vs Napoli

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: bet365

In the off chance that AS Roma fail to beat Genoa at home, Napoli will have a chance to secure automatic Champions League qualification by winning at Marassi, and there are no doubts the Azzurri will be looking to keep their part of the bargain and possibly place extra pressure on the Giallorossi with an early goal on Sunday.

Sampdoria

After finishing the previous campaign mere two points above the relegation zone, Sampdoria were under a great deal of pressure during the summer transfer window, but they managed to complete some very good deals. The likes of Bruno Fernandez, Dennis Praet, Karol Linetty, Lucas Torreira and especially Patrik Schick impressed in their debut season at Marassi and played an important role in helping the Blucerchiati all but secure a top table finish. The biggest problem the club face now is how to keep hold of their key men, with forwards Luis Muriel and Fabio Quagliarella also in high demand. Before they start thinking about the upcoming transfer window, Sampdoria will contest the clash against third-placed Napoli on the final day of the season and their chances of stopping the in-form Azzurri in their tracks appear to be quite slim. Namely, the Blucerchiati are winless in last seven matches (D4 L3), and also failed to win any of their last four at home, losing to Juventus and Crotone while sharing spoils with Fiorentina and Chievo.

Team News

Jacopo Sala and Luis Muriel miss out through suspension, but Fabio Quagliarella returns having recovered from injury.

Napoli

Napoli have come a long way under Maurizio Sarri and even though they again failed to challenge for the Serie A trophy, a five-point gap behind champions Juventus is enough to suggest they are slowly getting there. Many agree that the Azzurri play the best football in Serie A and 90 goals in 37 fixtures are the perfect proof. The decision to use Dries Mertens as a centre forward proved a real masterstroke, not only because the Belgian has been bagging goals for fun this season, but also due to the fact that Lorenzo Insigne finally became an undisputed starter, with 17 goals and 8 assists in the league proving the Italy international fully deserves the new status. Even though they were quite impressive in the past few months, winning nine of last eleven matches in all competitions, the Azzurri will probably have to settle for a third-place finish, that is unless AS Roma slip up at home against Genoa. But, regardless of how the match at Stadio Olimpico unfolds, Napoli will be looking to finish the campaign in style, although they will not have such an easy job at Marassi.

Team News

Head coach Sarri has no serious selection problems, with only midfielder Allan doubtful for the game against Sampdoria.

Key Factors to Consider

• Napoli won 9 of last 11 matches on all fronts (D2)
• Sampdoria are winless in last seven (D4 L3)
• Both teams scored in seven of Sampdoria’s last eight games
• Napoli conceded 12 goals in last 9 away fixtures
• Last six meetings between Sampdoria and Napoli produced 28 goals

Conclusion

Napoli have been made overwhelming favourites due to the fact that Sampdoria have little to play for, but we still expect the Blucerchiati to get on the scoresheet on Sunday afternoon. Both teams scored in last six meetings between the two sides and we fully expect the trend to continue.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: bet365