Prediction: Juventus vs Napoli

Juventus

Since Luciano Spalletti’s arrival in November, Juventus have lost only twice, though last weekend’s shock defeat at Cagliari may have ended any lingering title hopes. The Bianconeri dominated possession and chances but somehow left Sardinia empty-handed, halting a six-game unbeaten run.

Now sitting three points outside the top four, Juve’s priority is securing Champions League football for next season. Their European campaign remains on track after Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Benfica, which guaranteed at least a playoff spot. Goals from Khephren Thuram and Weston McKennie sealed the victory, extending Juve’s unbeaten home streak to nearly a year.

Indeed, Juventus have not lost at the Allianz Stadium since last March and remain one of only two Serie A teams—alongside Napoli—yet to suffer a home defeat this season. They have won 10 of their last 14 home league matches, though their recent record against Napoli is poor: just one win in nine meetings, including a 2-1 loss in Naples last month.

Team News

Arkadiusz Milik remains sidelined, along with Daniele Rugani and Dusan Vlahovic. Francisco Conceição impressed off the bench against Benfica and could earn a start, but Spalletti is unlikely to make wholesale changes.

Kenan Yildiz, who scored in the reverse fixture, has seven goals and four assists in Serie A this season—matching his tally from last term.

Napoli

Napoli’s dominance at home against Juventus contrasts with their struggles in Turin, where they have won only twice in 14 visits, losing 10. Antonio Conte has never beaten his former club away in Serie A, and his current side’s form offers little reassurance.

The champions lifted the Supercoppa Italiana last month, but league results have dipped since, with three consecutive draws preceding a narrow 1-0 win over Sassuolo. That victory kept Napoli within six points of leaders Inter and four clear of Juventus, while extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine matches.

However, their Champions League hopes suffered a major blow midweek with a 1-1 draw against 10-man Copenhagen, leaving them in the elimination zone ahead of a crucial clash with Chelsea. Conte’s frustration was evident post-match, and he will demand a response in Turin. Yet Napoli’s away record—just four wins from 13 league trips—makes this a daunting task.

Team News

Rasmus Hojlund, who scored twice against Juve in December, has gone five league games without a goal but should start, as Romelu Lukaku is still regaining fitness and Lorenzo Lucca nears a move to Nottingham Forest.

Noa Lang is set to depart for Galatasaray, while Giovane could arrive from Hellas Verona. Injuries continue to hamper Conte, with David Neres, Amir Rrahmani, Kevin De Bruyne, and Billy Gilmour sidelined. Frank Anguissa and Alex Meret are close to returning.

Head-to-Head

This will be the 160th Serie A meeting between the two sides. Juventus hold the historical edge, but recent encounters favor Napoli, who have won five of the last nine.

The reverse fixture ended 2-1 to the champions, with Hojlund starring. However, Juve’s formidable home record and Napoli’s travel woes set the stage for a fascinating tactical battle.

Conclusion

Juventus have momentum after their midweek European win and boast an unbeaten home run stretching back nearly a year. Napoli, hampered by injuries and inconsistent away form, may struggle to replicate December’s success.

Expect a tight contest, but the Bianconeri are tipped to edge it and close to within a point of their southern rivals.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet