Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 9/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Under mounting pressure after another frustrating draw, Napoli return to Stadio Maradona on Saturday evening seeking a vital win over mid-table Sassuolo.
With the champions slipping further behind leaders Inter Milan, Antonio Conte’s men cannot afford another setback.
Napoli
Napoli’s title defense continues to falter. After being held by Hellas Verona and salvaging a point against Inter, the Partenopei were frustrated again in midweek, drawing 0-0 with Parma despite dominating possession and creating chances. Conte, suspended and watching from the stands, saw his side fail to convert opportunities—a recurring theme in recent weeks.
That result allowed Inter to extend their lead, leaving Napoli vulnerable to pressure from below. Both Juventus and Roma now sit just one point behind, meaning the champions risk falling out of the top three if their slump continues.
Still, Napoli’s home record remains formidable. Unbeaten in 20 Serie A matches at Stadio Maradona, they last tasted defeat in Naples over a year ago. Conte will demand a response before next week’s Champions League trip to Copenhagen, and a clash with Sassuolo offers the perfect chance to rediscover their winning touch.
Team News
Conte is expected to shuffle his pack after rotating wing-backs against Parma. David Neres returned as a substitute but was withdrawn again, raising doubts over his fitness. Juan Jesus is back from suspension and should bolster the defense.
Key absentees include Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Anguissa, Billy Gilmour, Alex Meret, and Romelu Lukaku, leaving Napoli short of options in midfield and attack.
Sassuolo
Sassuolo’s struggles continue. After a bright start to their comeback season as Serie B champions, Fabio Grosso’s side have stalled, collecting just three points from their last six games and losing their last two. A 2-0 defeat to Roma extended their winless run to six matches, leaving them 11th in the table—comfortably clear of relegation but far from their early-season ambitions.
The Neroverdi have not beaten Napoli since late 2020 and suffered a 2-0 defeat on the opening day of this campaign. Their last eight meetings with the champions have yielded no victories, and a trip to Naples represents one of their toughest assignments.
Team News
Fali Cande’s cruciate ligament injury adds to Sassuolo’s woes, with Kristian Thorstvedt and talisman Domenico Berardi also sidelined.
On the positive side, Woyo Coulibaly is back from AFCON duty, and Filippo Romagna is scheduled to start team training over the coming days. This match will, however, come too soon for him.
Head-to-Head
Napoli have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning eight consecutive meetings since Sassuolo’s last triumph in 2020. The champions have scored 21 goals in that run while conceding just five, underlining their superiority.
Conclusion
Napoli’s recent form raises questions, but their home record and Sassuolo’s defensive frailties point to a clear outcome. It won’t, however, be easy for the Partenopei.
Conte’s men may need patience to break down Grosso’s side, yet the champions should secure a much-needed win and three points to keep their Scudetto hopes alive.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 9/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet