Verdict: Napoli win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to take another giant leap towards this season’s Serie A crown, Napoli will travel to Parma on Sunday night.
Parma
Starting with the hosts, while Parma might be sat firmly in the driving seat to extend on their Serie A status this month, the Crusaders have drastically failed to find any kind of stability. Last seen falling to a 2-1 loss away at Empoli, Cristian Chivu’s men have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous 10 appearances – a run that stems all the way back to February 22nd. Likewise, suffering consecutive top-flight defeats for the first time since the middle of February, Parma couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge here. Hit with a 2-1 loss when they traveled to Naples for their reverse Serie A showdown on August 31st, Chivu’s camp should also be concerned by a nightmare record against the champions-elect. Losing each of their previous three meetings by an aggregate score of 6-1, the Crusaders are pencilled in as a landslide underdog when they return to Emilia-Romagna on Sunday night.
Parma Team News
Shown a first-half red card away at Empoli last weekend, Lautaro Valenti will miss out through suspension on Sunday night. Dealing with what has become a stacked injury list, Parma will also be unable to call upon the likes of Alessandro Vogliacco, Jordan Osorio, Valentin Mihaila and Lazio loanee Matteo Cancellieri.
Reportedly attracting plenty of interest ahead of the summer transfer window, 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni will start at the heart of Parma’s defence. Coming off the bench and bagging a consolation strike away at Empoli last week, veteran striker Milan Djuric could make a first start since February 9th.
Napoli
As for the visitors, while Antonio Conte might have only arrived at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last summer, Napoli have embarked on a sensational rise under the former Chelsea boss. Although the Azzurri might have eventually been forced to settle for a 2-2 stalemate at home against Genoa last weekend, they still hold a one-point buffer at the top of the table heading into their penultimate showdown of the season. Mustering 13 points from their previous five Serie A appearances, Sunday’s guests will know the importance of avoiding what would be a major banana skin here. With the mood around Naples at a red-hot high and continuing to enjoy life under Conte’s guidance, the Blues are unbeaten in all of their previous 10 appearances. Likewise, aside from a 2-1 loss against Como on February 23rd, that is the only defeat that Napoli have tasted since the start of December.
Napoli Team News
Sustaining an ankle injury in the opening moments against Genoa last weekend, Napoli will be without Slovakian international Stanislav Lobotka on Sunday night. Not featuring over the past month and dealing with a thigh issue, veteran defender Juan Jesus remains on the sidelines.
Former Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour could be handed a full recall and Scotland compatriot Scott McTominay in the middle of the park. ing 23 direct goal contributions in his 34 Serie A appearances this season, Romelu Lukaku will spearhead Conte’s attack here.
Parma vs Napoli Key Factors to Consider
- When Parma and Napoli met for their reverse Serie A showdown on August 31st, the Azzurri collected a 2-1 victory on home soil.
- In fact, Napoli have won their last three straight meetings against the Crusaders by an aggregate score of 6-1.
- Napoli have collected 13 points from their previous five Serie A appearances.
- Conte’s side have suffered just a single domestic defeat since the start of December.
- Parma have ed just a pair of wins from any of their previous eight matchups at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.
Conclusion
Knowing that they can take another giant leap towards this season’s Serie A crown, Napoli should be smelling a golden opportunity here. Despite eventually settling for a 2-2 stalemate at home against Genoa last weekend, Conte’s camp have collected 13 points from their previous five appearances and will also be excited by a dominant record against Sunday’s hosts. Including a 2-1 victory when they met Parma for their reverse top-flight battle on August 31st, they have won their last three meetings by an aggregate score of 6-1.
Verdict: Napoli win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Luckster
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