Prediction: Napoli vs Udinese

Verdict: Victor Osimhen to score anytime

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Still struggling to find some Serie A stability, Napoli will welcome Udinese to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday night.

Napoli

Starting with the hosts, while Napoli might have made real Serie A history last season as they got their hands on a first domestic crown since 1990, the Italian heavyweights have struggled to find much stability this time around. Although new boss Rudi Garcia might have seen his side open their Champions League adventure with a 2-1 win against Portuguese outfit Braga last week, the Blues are without a win from any of their previous three domestic showdowns on either side of September’s international break. Last seen over the weekend putting in a toothless performance on the road as they had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against Bologna, Napoli have the feel of a squad seeking a recent Serie A boost. Nevertheless, despite being last seen at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona getting hit with a 2-1 loss against Lazio earlier in the month, Garcia’s men still hold a fearsome reputation on home soil. In fact, Wednesday’s hosts have suffered just a single Serie A defeat in front of their own supporters since the start of April.

Team News

Missing out away at Bologna over the weekend, Napoli are once again sweating over the fitness of both Amir Rrahmani and Juan Jesus here. Likewise, the Blues have already confirmed that former Tottenham loanee Pierluigi Gollini will not make his debut in midweek.

Already bagging three Serie A strikes from his opening five appearances this season, attacking talisman Victor Osimhen will spearhead Garcia’s charge on Wednesday night. The Nigerian ace will be joined in the final third by former Sassuolo star Giacomo Raspadori.

Udinese

As for the visitors, while Udinese might have opened the 2023/24 campaign with their sights set on mounting a genuine top-half charge, Andrea Sottil’s side are enduring a real Serie A struggle this time around. Last seen over the weekend getting hit with a routine 2-0 loss at home against Fiorentina, the Bianconeri already find themselves battling it out in the drop zone. Having to settle for a pair of 0-0 stalemates against Cagliari and Frosinone on either side of September’s international break, the Little Zebras have failed to muster a single win from any of their first five Serie A appearances. Opening proceedings with a 3-0 drumming at the hands of Juventus on August 20th, Udinese have also shown some extended issues in the final third. Facing what is a tough challenge when they travel to the reigning Italian champions on Wednesday night, Sottil’s side have notched just a single strike in their opening five showdowns.

Team News

Still dealing with what has become a stacked injury list, Udinese will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Kingsley Ehizibue, Christian Kabasele, Brenner and attacking talisman Gerard Deulofeu. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance since completing a move from Aston Villa this summer, Keinan Davis will also miss out here.

Although former Marseille star Florian Thauvin might still be waiting to open his Serie A account, the 30-year-old should once again lead Udinese’s charge on Wednesday night.

Key Factors to Consider

• Napoli have collected 19 points from their last seven Serie A showdowns against Wednesday’s guests.
• Likewise, the reigning Italian champions are unbeaten in each of their previous 14 Serie A battles against Udinese.
• Still yet to claim a single Serie A victory since opening the 2023/24 campaign, Udinese have also notched just a single strike so far this season.
• Seven of the last eight top-flight meetings between Napoli and Udinese have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Nigerian international Victor Osimhen has bagged three goals in his opening five domestic appearances this season.

Conclusion

Without a win from any of their previous three Serie A appearances on either side of September’s international break, Napoli will be desperate to claim a crucial boost here. Smelling a golden opportunity when they return to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday night, the reigning Italian champions will be looking to cash in on a Udinese squad who are in the midst of a public struggle. With the Little Zebras yet to claim a single Serie A victory from their opening five attempts, the midweek guests have also bagged just a single strike since opening the new campaign. With Osimhen already bagging three domestic strikes, we are backing the Nigerian marksman to extend on his tally here.

Verdict: Victor Osimhen to score anytime

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet