Napoli will host Sassuolo in an important Serie A clash this Saturday. The match is crucial for Napoli as they seek victory after dropping points in their last game. Currently, they are behind league leaders Inter Milan and under pressure to secure a win. Sassuolo arrives in Napoli struggling, having not won in six consecutive matches.
Match Preview
Napoli recently faced frustration with a series of three consecutive draws, including a recent 0-0 stalemate with Parma at Stadio Maradona. This has increased pressure on the reigning Serie A champions, especially with Juventus and Roma breathing down their necks, both within a point in the standings. Napoli will aim to leverage their home advantage, as they have remained unbeaten in 20 league matches at Maradona, with their last home loss dating back more than a year.
Meanwhile, Sassuolo has struggled to find form since their promotion back to Serie A as champions of Serie B. They have not won any of their last eight encounters against Napoli, with their only victory since November being a home win over Fiorentina, relegation-threatened.
Current Form and Standings
- Napoli Serie A Form: L W W D D D
- Napoli Overall Form: W W W D D D
- Sassuolo Serie A Form: D L D D L L
Sassuolo currently sits in 11th place but is not in immediate danger of relegation. However, they must improve quickly to avoid sliding further down the table.
Team News
Napoli coach Antonio Conte is expected to make changes following their recent performances. Key players Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Anguissa, Billy Gilmour, Alex Meret, and Romelu Lukaku will miss the match. However, Juan Jesus is back from suspension.
Sassuolo faces an even longer list of absentees, including Fali Cande, who recently suffered a serious injury. Additionally, they will be without Kristian Thorstvedt and star player Domenico Berardi. Woyo Coulibaly has returned from international duty, and Filippo Romagna is nearing a return to full training.
Predicted Lineups
Napoli’s Likely Starting XI:
- Milinkovic-Savic
- Beukema, Rrahmani, Jesus
- Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola
- Vergara, Elmas, Hojlund
Sassuolo’s Likely Starting XI:
- Muric
- Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemovic, Doig
- Lipani, Matic, Kone
- Fadera, Pinamonti, Lauriente
Match Prediction
In what promises to be a tense encounter, Napoli is favored to end their winless run against Sassuolo, with a predicted scoreline of 1-0. Despite their current struggles, Napoli’s home turf advantage and Sassuolo’s defensive weaknesses could be decisive factors in this match.
