Napoli were one of the biggest title candidates entering the 2019-20 Serie A season, but they have been extremely disappointing so far. Aside from sacking Carlo Ancelotti early into the season, the Partenopei side currently sit in 12th place of the standings with 24 points out of 20 games entering the weekend’s slate of games. They have lost eight of those contests and, in fact, Napoli have lost three straight games and four of their last five. Grabbing a UEFA Europa League berth would already represent a huge success for them considering how the season has happened, and it’s fair to say they should be listed as massive underdogs here. They have a balanced record when it comes to goals scored and conceded (28/28) but there are no double lectures here. Napoli have been disappointing and nothing they can do until the end of the season will change that.
Team News
Kevin Malcuit is out for the season with an ACL injury. Dries Mertens has also been ruled out due to a groin problem.
Faouzi Ghoulam (thigh) and Kalidou Koulibaly (leg) are both questionable. This means Napoli could be shorthanded defensively in this match.
Juventus
Juventus have been the most successful team in the Serie A over the last decade, and they have begun the calendar year playing at a very high level. The Old Lady once again sit at the top of the standings in the Serie A with 51 points out of 20 matches, and their results have been impressive across the board. Maurizio Sarri’s men have lost just once all season long (W16, D3, L1) and while they do not own the league’s best attack, they have conceded just 19 goals – under 1.0 goal per game on average – and that marks down as the league’s third-best defensive record. Juventus have also won each of their last five Serie A matches, and they couldn’t have asked for better form entering this contest with eight wins out of their last nine games in all competitions. Can they take another step towards a new title with a win here at Stadio San Paolo?
Team News
Juventus will be depleted defensively since Giorgio Chiellini, Merih Demiral and Sami Khedira have all been ruled out for this game. All three players have been diagnosed with knee injuries.
Danilo (thigh) and Mattia De Sciglio (groin) have been listed as questionable as well. The Old Lady could have several defenders ruled out as a result.
Key Factors to Consider