Serie A: Juventus vs. Napoli Preview, Odds, Prediction

Juventus and Napoli have played a lot of games with the Serie A title at stake over the recent few years, but this time, that won’t be the case. Even though the guests from the south of Italy sit only seven points behind Inter Milan, their performances have been deteriorating over the recent few weeks. It seems that Napoli lost the pace with the teams from Milan. On the other side, Juventus never had any decent rhythm this season, which is why they sit fifth in the standings, 12 points behind the leaders. Nevertheless, these two teams are always generating enormous attention due to a massive hatred and rivalry between them that goes on for a long, long time.

Preview

Juventus (-160) has four wins and one draw in the recent five matches, meaning that they finally posted several solid results. In all four of those victories, the defense was a better part of the unit, keeping clean sheets and allowing the attack to play without any pressure, which eventually brought results.

Juve’s home events are very dull, and we don’t often see high-scoring affairs. The past five were with under 2.5 goals and only one side netting, which tells a lot about the way this team plays.

They will be facing a lot of problems on Thursday night because their captain, Chiellini, isn’t playing. Also, his partner in the heart of the defense, Bonucci, is questionable, which could affect the Old Lady in so many negative ways.

Napoli (+475) posts mixed results in recent times, but when looking at the overall situation, Partenopei are rarely winning. Luciano Spalletti’s unit posted only three triumphs, with five defeats and two draws over the recent 10 contests.

Victor Osimhen’s injury struck them hard because the Nigerian striker presented the key player upfront. He scored goals and forced the rivals to double-team him, which left more space for his teammates.

Napoli played very efficient football until the second half of December, once they recorded three straight games with only one goal involved. Previously, they had six in a row with over 2.5 hits.

Latest News

As said, Chiellini is out for the hosts, the same as Danilo, Arthur, and Pinsoglio. Besides Bonussi, Aaron Ramsey is also doubtful for this event.

Napoli has a lot of absent players due to injuries and because of the Africa Cup of Nations. Anguissa, Koulibaly, and Ounas, are in Cameroon, Lozano is ill, the same as Meret, while Petagna sits in quarantine the same as Malcuit. Mario Rui won’t play due to a yellow-card suspension.

Head to Head Games

Juventus defeated Napoli in the past four home games. Though the opening match this season, the one that took place in Naples, ended with the home side’s 2-1 victory.

Prediction

Napoli has far too many injured and absent players to be able to compete with Juventus. We are aware that the Old Lady isn’t strong as in the previous years, but still, they are in better shape than the rivals who are going to appear without at least a half of the starters. Therefore, our pick here is Juve’s win.

Pick: Juventus -160