Serie A: Napoli Can Wipe Away Their Troubles Against La Viola

Napoli vs Fiorentina

2023 Scudetto Champions Napoli are in Serie A action again on Sunday when they take on in-form Fiorentina at the Diego Maradona Stadium.

The Partenopei have made a good start to their title defence and sit in third place with 14 points from seven games. But star striker Victor Osimhen is not a happy chap, so Napoli boss Rudi Garcia has his fair share of off-field problems. And his team lost at home to Real Madrid on Tuesday, so they are in search of a pick-up.

Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Italiano has less to worry about, and his team has matched Napoli so far with 14 points and an identical record of four wins, two draws, and a single defeat.

Both teams were in European action this week, with La Viola drawing 2-2 at home to Ferencvaros in the Europa Conference League. And both had big wins in the league last weekend, with Napoli winning 4-0 away to Lecce, while Fiorentina won 3-0 at home to Cagliari.  

The hosts are under pressure to win this one, while the visitors would probably be happy to take a draw, but the Serie A 2023 betting odds don’t give Vincenzo’s team much hope.     

Talking Points

Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia need to click again for Napoli

Napoli lost a five-goal thriller to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday. They will be kicking themselves a little after taking an early lead and then levelling at 2-2, through Piotr Zielinski after Los Blancos fought back.

An unlucky own goal by Alex Meret gave Madrid all three points, and it was harsh on the keeper who has been excellent for Napoli this season.   

The saga around Victor Osimhen continues to rage after the striker was mocked by a club TikTok video, and the Nigerian hit man seems determined to leave in the January transfer window. He will have no shortage of suitors with the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea keeping tabs on the player.

Osimhen has scored five goals already this season, but he cut a frustrated figure against the Spaniards. Despite his current anger, Osimhen has a cool head in front of goal, and he will be a huge miss for Napoli if he does leave. 

I Partenopei were under pressure to deliver against ambitious Lecce last week, and they were ruthless with Osimhen scoring after coming on as a halftime substitute, and there was a goal too for  Matteo Politano, who made it three for the campaign.

With all the noise around Osimhen, winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has taken a back seat away from the Serie A 2023 news headlines in Naples, but he remains a dangerous player with brilliant ball skills and a wicked delivery.      

Fiorentina gunning for another European stint

Fiorentina fans have plenty to smile about at the moment. They want to improve on last season’s eighth place finish and, so far, it’s looking good.

Italiano has plenty of quality in his squad, with the veteran midfielder Giacomo Boneventura captaining the side and still strutting his stuff with three goals.

25-year-old Argentine winger Nicolas Gonzalez has been playing in a fluid role, and he’s top scoring with four goals, while France striker Jonathan Ikone is pushing for a start after he bagged a goal in midweek.

In midfield, Arthur, on loan from Juventus, is looking like his old self after a difficult spell in Turin, while Croatian wide man Josip Brekalo has started well since his switch from Wolfsburg.

Left wing-back Cristiano Biraghi provides a wealth of experience in the defence, while centre-back Nicola Milenkovic is a powerful presence at the back.

This is a nicely balanced side which looks good for a top seven finish in a highly competitive league.

History

With 20 wins to 15, Napoli have the lead in the head-to-heads, and they edged a tight battle last season with a goalless draw in Florence and a 1-0 win in Naples.

Osimhen scored a penalty in the May match at the Maradona Stadium to win the game, their first after claiming the 2023 Scudetto with a draw away to Udinese.   

Fiorentina have won three and drawn three of the last six games, while I Partenopei have won three, drawn two, and lost one.  

Betting Tip

Napoli are hot favourites to win this clash at a price of 1.57 with the draw at 3.83, and La Viola are at SBOTOP odds of 4.36 to win.

Fiorentina are in good shape, but Naples is always a difficult place to go, and the hosts will be backed by a hostile crowd. If Osimhen fires, I think Napoli will win but not by a mile.

For a correct scoreline 2-1 to Napoli is at the shortest odds at a price of 6.37, while 1-0 is priced at 6.95, and 2-0 is out at 7.52.

 

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