Napoli hosts Lazio in a crucial Serie A showdown at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The second-placed Neapolitans aim to solidify their title ambitions, while fifth-placed Lazio looks to recover from a recent dip in form.
Napoli is eager to bounce back from a midweek Coppa Italia defeat to Lazio, where a heavily rotated lineup fell 3-1 in Rome.
Despite the setback, Antonio Conte’s side has been defensively strong in Serie A, boasting nine clean sheets this season.
Meanwhile, Lazio’s five-game league winning streak was halted by a 3-1 loss to Parma.
Marco Baroni’s men, however, have proven resilient in big matches and remain unbeaten in three league games against Napoli, including victories in their last two trips to Naples.
Head-to-Head Stats:
- Napoli hold the edge historically, winning 21 of their last 43 meetings against Lazio, compared to Lazio’s 13 victories.
- After four consecutive Serie A losses to Napoli, Lazio are unbeaten in the last three league encounters.
- Napoli have scored 34 goals in their last 12 home games against Lazio, winning eight of those matches.
- Lazio have lost all four of their league defeats this season on the road, a hurdle they aim to overcome.
- Napoli have beaten Lazio 54 times in Serie A, their best record against any opponent.
Team News
Napoli:
Antonio Conte will field a stronger lineup after rotating heavily in the Coppa Italia loss.
Key players like Romelu Lukaku, Stanislav Lobotka, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are set to return.
Giovanni Simeone, despite his impressive record against Lazio, is likely to make way.
Napoli will miss Pasquale Mazzocchi due to injury but otherwise boast a fit squad.
Lazio:
Lazio face notable absences, with Nuno Tavares and Matias Vecino ruled out, and Nicolo Rovella suspended.
Coach Marco Baroni is expected to reinstate Ivan Provedel, Matteo Guendouzi, and Taty Castellanos to the starting XI, benching Tijjani Noslin despite his midweek hat-trick.
Players to Watch
- Napoli: Giovanni Simeone thrives against Lazio, scoring eight goals in 14 league meetings, including a strike in their recent Coppa Italia clash.
- Lazio: Mattia Zaccagni, a versatile threat, was pivotal midweek with an assist and could influence proceedings on Sunday.
Predicted Lineups
Napoli (4-2-3-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka; Politano, McTominay, Kvaratskhelia; Lukaku
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Provedel; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Guendouzi, Dele-Bashiru; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos
Serie A Match Preview: Napoli vs Lazio
Venue: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
Time: 20:45
Referee: Andrea Colombo
Date: December 8, 2024
