Serie A: Can Napoli Pass Tough Torino Test?

Torino vs Napoli

Napoli are closing in on their much-awaited Serie A championship. A big win over struggling Atalanta coupled with another slip-up by second-placed Inter Milan has seen the Neapolitans extend their lead back up to 18 points with just 12 games to play.

And after a dominant midweek performance in the Champions League, Napoli now set their sights on another Serie A victory at Torino.

While the Serie A 2023 betting odds will have the leaders as heavy favourites to win, Torino have been tough to beat at home and could pose quite a challenge for the champions-elect.

Talking Points

Torino still riding high in top half of the table

For the second straight season, Torino appear to be safe from relegation. Coach Ivan Juric, who led the team to a 10th-place finish last season, is doing another terrific job this year as he has Il Toro up in eighth, just one point behind city rivals Juventus.

After suffering a 4-2 defeat to Juve in the Turin Derby, Torino have recovered nicely with back-to-back wins over Bologna (1-0) and Lecce (0-2).

The return to form of Antonio Sanabria has been huge for the Bulls. Sanabria, who is the team’s leading scorer with seven goals, has three goals and an assist in his last four games.

Meanwhile, Yann Karamoh has provided a major spark to the attack in 2023. The 24-year-old Frenchman has scored four goals in his last six appearances in all competitions, including winning goals against Udinese and Bologna.

But the defence has also been a big factor in Torino’s rise to the top half of the table. They have conceded just 29 goals this season, which is the fifth-best defensive record in Serie A.

Torino’s Serie A 2023 results at home have also been terrific in recent months. They have won four of their last seven games at the Stadio Olimpico, with just two draws and one defeat.

Osimhen, Napoli continue to dominate

Napoli’s dream season keeps getting better. Not only are the Neapolitans well on their way toward winning the Scudetto, but they are also through to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time after a dominant 5-0 aggregate win over reigning Europa League champions Eintracht Frankfurt.

Victor Osimhen’s brilliant season continues as he bagged a brace to lead the Neapolitans to a 3-0 home win in the second leg.

The Nigerian, who leads Serie A with 19 goals, is on a bit of a cold spell in the league as he’s failed to score in each of his last two Serie A matches. It’s the first time he’s gone more than one game without scoring a goal this season since early September.

Coach Luciano Spalletti has hardly made any rotations to his side in recent games, and with the international break coming up, he is expected to field another full-strength XI against Torino.

Although, the likes of Hirving Lozano and Eljif Elmas could potentially get starts to give the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia a much-needed break.

Napoli have far and away the best away record in Serie A this season. They have won 11 of 13 away games, with one loss and one draw. Moreover, they have scored at least two goals and have kept a clean sheet in each of their last five Serie A outings.

History

Napoli have completely dominated Torino over the years. The Neapolitans have won 15 of their last 22 meetings against Torino, with Il Toro coming out on top just twice.

Napoli are currently on an incredible 15-match unbeaten run against Torino in Serie A, with 11 wins and four draws. That includes a 3-1 win in their first meeting this season. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa bagged a brace inside the first 12 minutes, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia added a third.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Napoli installed as huge 1.77 favourites to beat Torino, who are priced at 4.20 to pull off the upset against the league leaders. A draw is 3.40.

This match figures to be a tougher one than expected given Torino’s strong form coupled with Napoli playing in midweek.

Nevertheless, Napoli got a wake-up call in their loss at home to Lazio and will not be so keen to let up even with the international break coming up. Expect them to continue their impressive winning run against Torino at the Stadio Olimpico.

 

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