Lazio will be keen to hold their top spot before the international break, but they will have to overcome a stern test in the shape of a wounded Napoli side.
Napoli vs Lazio: Kick-Off Time, Location & Where to Watch
The Serie A clash between Napoli and Lazio kicks off at 12:30 local time on Sunday, November 8, at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples.
To find out how to watch Napoli vs Lazio in your respective country, check out this verified list of international TV listings.
Napoli Form Guide: Recent Results & Table Position
Massimiliano Allegri did exceptionally well when he inherited Antonio Conte’s Juventus, but succeeding the latter at Napoli is proving much more problematic. The Partenopei are now coming off back-to-back defeats to Juventus and Porto, which left them eighth in the Serie A table and 27th in the Champions League.
Allegri’s mission has certainly been impeded by the injury crisis, but his game management has left much to be desired, especially after squandering two-goal leads against Inter Milan, who went on to beat his team 3-2, and Roma, who were allowed to snatch a 3-3 draw.
On a more concerning note, squad unity is beginning to shatter, with Rasmus Hojlund disagreeing with the manager’s reassuring post-match comments, while Lorenzo Lucca and Kevin De Bruyne had a heated on-pitch spat during Wednesday’s game.
Lazio Form Guide: Recent Results & Table Position
Contrary to Napoli, Lazio have been a well-oiled machine since their shocking Coppa Italia defeat to Mantova. They went on to win nine of their first 10 Serie A games of the season; only AC Milan were able to avoid defeat against Gennaro Gattuso’s men, rallying from behind to earn a point.
Since their draw against the Rossoneri on matchday four, the Biancocelesti have been flawless, putting together a six-match winning streak, beating Venezia (2-0), Monza (3-1), Juventus (3-0), Parma (2-1), Sassuolo (6-2), and most recently Cagliari (2-1). Thanks to Inter Milan’s Derby defeat, Lazio climbed to the Serie A summit, opening a three-point gap with the defending champions.
Napoli vs Lazio: Match Insights
- Lazio have the upper hand over Napoli in recent meetings: The Biancocelesti have won five of their last eight games against the Partenopei across all competitions. They also registered two draws and one defeat.
- Gattuso still chasing Simone Inzaghi’s record: Lazio are riding a six-match winning streak, but Inzaghi’s edition still holds the club record with 11 straight victories in the 2019/20 campaign.
- Napoli vulnerable at home: Unlike previous campaigns when the Stadio Maradona used to be a fortress for the Azzurri, Allegri’s men have only recorded a 50% win percentage at home, winning three, drawing one and losing two of their six home fixtures in all competitions.
- Allegri’s perfect record against Gattuso: The Tuscan manager has prevailed in all five of his previous meetings with his former AC Milan player.
Expected Starting Lineups
Napoli (3-5-1-1): Meret; Beukema, Rrahmani, Marin; Politano, Zambo Anguissa, Gilmour, McTominay, Lang; De Bruyne; Hojlund.
Lazio (4-3-3): Mandas; Floriani Mussolini, Sutalo, Provstgaard, Tavares; Frattesi, Belahyane, Taylor; Isaksen, Pinamonti, Noslin.
Final Score Prediction: Napoli 1-2 Lazio
Tired, wounded, and depleted, the last thing Napoli would have wanted before the international break is a meeting against a largely healthy, energetic, high-flying Lazio. Some at the club might view it as the perfect opportunity to bounce back by making a major statement against the undefeated league leaders and gaining a result that would reboot their campaign.
However, Napoli’s tired legs might not be able to cope with the high tempo Gattuso will aim to implement, especially when the game wears on. If there was ever an opportunity for the Calabrian tactician to shatter the curse and beat his former manager, this is it.
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