Verdict: Scott McTominay to score or assist
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
90 minutes away from getting their hands on a fourth Serie A crown, Napoli will welcome Cagliari to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Friday night.
Napoli
Starting with the hosts, while Antonio Conte might have only arrived at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last summer, Napoli have enjoyed a sensational rise under the former Chelsea boss. Although the Azzurri might have been forced to settle for consecutive stalemates against Parma and Genoa over the past fortnight, they open their season finale holding a one-point buffer over defending champions Inter Milan. Along with not suffering a single defeat from their previous 11 Serie A appearances, Conte’s side have also tasted just a single defeat across any competition since the start of December. Looking to get their hands on a fourth domestic crown on Friday night, Napoli have gained a reputation for their defensive steel. Along with recording a clean sheet in five of their previous six Serie A showdowns, the Azzurri have shipped just 27 goals this season and comfortably hold the best defensive tally among Italy’s elite.
Napoli Team News
Missing out against Parma last weekend and dealing with a recent ankle injury, Napoli are once again sweating over the fitness of Slovakian international Stanislav Lobotka. Likewise, missing the past month with a thigh issue, Conte’s side are also expected to be without ex-Roma defender Juan Jesus.
Enjoying what has been a remarkable maiden campaign in Serie A and notching five goals in his previous six appearances, former Manchester United star Scott McTominay will play a leading role in the middle of the park. Despite returning from another injury setback earlier in the month, David Neres will settle for a spot on the bench.
Cagliari
As for the visitors, storming their way to a 3-0 romp against Venezia last weekend, that result was enough to officially confirm Cagliari’s Serie A status for another campaign. However, once again spending the whole of the 2024/25 campaign scrapping it out at the foot of the table, Davide Nicola’s men couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge here. Last seen on their travels slumping to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Como, the Islanders have gained a reputation for their issues outside of Sardinia. Along with registering just a single Serie A victory away from the Unipol Domus from their previous nine attempts, Cagliari have also recorded just two top-flight away wins since the end of September. Hit with a 4-0 drumming when they welcomed Napoli to Sardinia for their reverse meeting on September 15th, Friday’s guests have also landed just a sole victory in Naples since way back in 2007.
Cagliari Team News
Ahead of their season finale on Friday night, Cagliari have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns. Missing out against Venezia last time out after serving a one-match suspension, former Napoli misfit Leonardo Pavoletti will return to Nicola’s travelling squad this weekend.
Marking his return from a muscle issue with a goal against Venezia last week, ex-Everton defender Yerry Mina will start at the heart of Cagliari’s defence. Atalanta loanee Michel Adopo will partner Antoine Makoumbou in the middle of the park here.
Napoli vs Cagliari Key Factors to Consider
- When Napoli and Cagliari met for their reverse Serie A meeting on September 15th, the Azzurri stormed their way to a 4-0 romp at the Unipol Domus.
- Napoli have suffered just a single defeat against Cagliari in Naples since way back in 2007.
- A victory on Friday night would officially clinch a fourth Serie A crown for Conte’s camp.
- Cagliari have recorded just a single win from any of their previous nine matchups away from the Unipol Domus.
- Likewise, the Islanders have landed just a pair of Serie A wins outside of Sardinia since the end of September.
Conclusion
Just 90 minutes away from getting their hands on a fourth Serie A crown, Napoli open their season finale sat in the driving seat. Despite settling for consecutive stalemates against Parma and Genoa over the past fortnight, Conte’s side have enjoyed a real fairytale in Naples. Storming their way to a stellar 4-0 victory when they travelled to Sardinia for their reverse Serie A meeting against Cagliari back in September, the Azzurri will be desperately seeking a repeat performance here. Not suffering a single defeat at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona so far this calendar year, Napoli are rightfully installed as a landslide contender on Friday night.
Verdict: Scott McTominay to score or assist
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
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