Verdict: Napoli win
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Desperate to widen their buffer at the top of the Serie A standings, Napoli will welcome Udinese to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday night.
Napoli
Starting with the hosts, while Napoli might have endured a public crisis last season as they could only just about drag themselves to a top-half finish, the Azzurri have come roaring back in some style. Only continuing to shine since Antonio Conte’s arrival last summer, the mood around Naples is at a red-hot high. Getting this weekend’s fixtures underway holding a three-point buffer at the top of the table, the former Chelsea boss has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits from across the continent. Now pencilled in as a leading title contender, Napoli will be looking to lay down another statement here. Despite suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Roma last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 draw Conte’s side have registered 22 points from just their previous eight Serie A showdowns.
Napoli Team News
Once again missing out away at Roma last weekend, Napoli are once again sweating over the fitness of Mathias Olivera on Sunday night. However, aside from the Uruguayan international, Conte’s side have reported a clean bill of health heading into their return to Naples.
Notching three Serie A strikes since returning from Italy’s festive break, former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku will spearhead Roma’s charge in the final third. Making an immediate impact since arriving from Manchester United last summer, Scottish ace Scott McTominay could play a leading role.
Udinese
As for the visitors, making what was an essential return to winning ways last week, Udinese will be desperate to prove that their frantic 3-2 victory against Venezia was not just a minor boost. However, almost sat in Serie A limbo since opening the New Year, Kosta Runjaic’s side are seeking some much-needed stability. Signing off January with consecutive defeats against Roma and Como, the Little Zebras have failed to record back-to-back victories since the middle of September. Watching their European dreams take a critical blow over the past couple of months, Udinese should also be concerned by a nightmare record against Sunday’s hosts. Slumping to a routine 3-1 defeat when they welcomed Napoli to the Bluenergy Stadium for their reverse Serie A showdown on December 14th, they have remarkably failed to win any of their previous 22 straight meetings against the title contenders.
Udinese Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Udinese will once again be without the trio of Maduka Okoye, Lautaro Giannetti and former Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis here. However, after serving a one-match suspension last week, Swedish midfielder Jesper Karlstriom will return to Runjaic’s squad.
While Florian Thauvin might have failed to find the net since returning from Italy’s festive break, the former Marseille star will play a leading role in Naples. Enduring a real struggle since arriving on a free transfer last summer, ex-Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez could be handed a rest.
Napoli vs Udinese Key Factors to Consider
- When Napoli and Udinese met for their reverse Serie A showdown on December 14th, Conte’s side collected a 3-1 victory at the Bluenergy Stadium.
- In fact, the Azzurri have not suffered a single defeat from any of their previous 22 consecutive meetings against Udinese.
- Napoli have registered 22 points from just their previous eight Serie A appearances.
- Udinese have conceded eight goals in their last three Serie A appearances.
- Belgium international Romelu Lukaku has recorded three Serie A strikes since opening the New Year.
Conclusion
Mustering 22 points from just their previous eight Serie A appearances, Napoli are enjoying what has become a sensational flurry. Leading the chase at the top of the table, Conte’s side will be excited by a dominant record against Sunday’s guests. Cruising their way to a 3-1 victory when they travelled to the Bluenergy Stadium on December 14th, the Azzurri are unbeaten in all of their last 22 consecutive meetings against Udinese. Likewise, winning all of their last 11 straight meetings against the Little Zebras in Naples, it is no surprise that the Serie A leaders are pencilled in as a standout contender here.
Verdict: Napoli win
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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