Lazio v Napoli – Serie A
Lazio have major concerns going into this big game, with key players rated as doubtful. Key defender de Vrij will make the bench at best, while Biglia is only expected to be on the bench as well, as he struggles with fatigue. Top scorer Immobile isn’t a certain starter in attack and needs assessing, with the squad being juggled. Bastos and Lukaku may make rare starts in a 3-5-2 shape. Having won six of their last eight games in Serie A, going unbeaten, and reaching the Coppa Italia Final in midweek by knocking out their rivals Roma over two legs, Inzaghi’s side goes into this big game in a positive frame of mind. Confidence and motivation are high as they bid to move to within one point of Napoli in the race for a top-three finish, while they’ve had one day more to prepare. A win will be the aim and would give them a massive lift going into the last weeks of the season, putting them right in the mix for a Champions League spot, although a loss would be a hammer blow, so their approach needs to be balanced. They’ll probe to get ahead whilst level, being wary of the threat of Napoli, opening up more if behind. An early goal could open it up and it’s likely to be close.Napoli don’t have any major absentees to worry about, with only fringe players injured, but the likes of Hysaj and Hamsik could need a rest, with the latter being the most concerning if rested to the bench. Some rotation is possible following the two games against Juventus in the past week, but even with some changes, they’ll still field a strong starting XI and could still be at full strength.
Napoli don’t have any major absentees to worry about, with only fringe players injured, but the likes of Hysaj and Hamsik could need a rest, with the latter being the most concerning if rested to the bench. Some rotation is possible following the two games against Juventus in the past week, but even with some changes, they’ll still field a strong starting XI and could still be at full strength. Sarri’s side have the duel aim of holding off fourth-placed Lazio, whilst also trying to chase down second placed Roma to qualify automatically for the Champions League. A win will be the objective and they’ll travel with belief after posting victories in their last five Serie A away games, while despite losing the Coppa Italia tie with Juventus, they won the midweek second leg, boosting morale. With their last ten away games all seeing at least three goals and both teams scoring in nine of them, there could be goals, although there’s a chance of both sides trying to be tighter than usual to avoid defeat. Given the firepower on the pitch however, goals at both ends seem more likely, with Napoli hoping to edge it rather than settling for a draw, but a scoring draw wouldn’t surprise.
Verdict & Prediction
Napoli will be hungry to stop Lazio from closing the gap to them in the race for Champions League football, although Sarri’s side still have their eyes on second place and an automatic qualifying spot. Therefore, they will be playing to win, rather than just looking to draw and cement third place. They’ve posted victories in their last five Serie A away games, going unbeaten in the last eight, so they’ll travel with belief. Meanwhile, despite losing the Coppa Italia semi-final to Juventus overall, they won the second leg in midweek, which will have boosted morale ahead of this tough game.
Prediction: Napoli +0.00 Asian Handicap (same as Draw no bet option)
Odds: 1.88 Pinnacle, 1.87 SBOBET
