Serie A: Can Napoli Make It 11 in a Row?

Napoli vs Udinese

Serie A leaders Napoli have been a breath of fresh air this autumn.

In fact, as far as this SBOTOP writer is concerned, they have been the team of the season right across Europe so far.

Did anyone really expect Napoli to be leaders heading into the winter break for the World Cup, let alone top a Champions League group which included last season’s tournament runners-up?

Yet, that is exactly what the Partenopei have done.

More than that, they have produced some scintillating football and seen off pretty much all before them at home and abroad.

Now can they finish the first tranche of the season with a flourish and create some more Serie A 2022 highlights as they welcome Udinese to Naples?

Talking Points

Last weekend’s 2-1 success at Atalanta – a top of the table clash in which some of their rivals hoped they may drop points – was one of the most impressive of them all as goals from Victor Osimhen and Eljif Elmas overturned an Ademola Lookman opener.

The 23-year-old Nigerian international headed the ball into the net off a cross from Piotr Zielinski before Elmas put the visitors in front after taking a pass from Osimhen inside the box, his effort flying into the net via a slight deflection.

They extended their advantage to eight points on Tuesday night with a 2-0 home win over Empoli to retain their impressive unbeaten record.

In fact, they’ve not been beaten all season but for a reverse at Liverpool in Europe last week which was, to all extents and purposes, a “dead-rubber” Champions League tie.

In what was their 10th Serie A victory in a row as the hosts dominated but had to wait until the 70th minute to open the scoring, with substitute Hirving Lozano scoring a penalty after Osimhen was fouled.

Empoli’s Sebastiano Luperto was shown a second yellow card for fouling Lozano, who later crossed for Zielinski to wrap up the win.

All that means is that Luciano Spalletti’s team are now guaranteed to be top until the New Year.

The Naples side have never won the title without the late, great Diego Maradona, with their two triumphs – in 1986-87 and 1989-90 – both coming during his spell there, but there is genuine optimism this term, albeit it is early in the season.

While their attacking play has rightly drawn the plaudits, the foundations have been laid at the back.

Goalkeeper Giovanni Di Lorenzo has been one of the most consistent Napoli performers and alongside Alex Meret has been the only player to start every game so far. He’s under contract until 2025 and the club has opened talks to extend it and reward the new captain with a small pay rise.

Described as the leader of the locker room following several summer departures, he’s been a first choice under three different coaches in Carlo Ancelotti, Gennaro Gattuso, and now Spalletti, proving his worth.

Udinese had been the draw specialists this term, frustrating the likes of Atalanta but also being frustrated themselves, none more so than in their last two games against Spezia and a resilient Lecce.

After a strong start to the season, Udinese have actually failed to win their last six league outings, although five of them have been draws.That said they would likely take another draw in the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Saturday afternoon against a team which has been setting the pace since the start of the season.

History

In Serie A, the two teams have met 29 times with 16 Napoli successes, eight Udinese triumphs, and five draws.

Overall, Napoli have 17 wins to nine.

Last season, Napoli hit four without reply in Udinese with Osimhen, Amir Rrahmani, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Lozano the goal-getters.

The corresponding fixture was much closer but the same outcome as Napoli edged home.

Two goals in 11 second half minutes from Osimhen won the day after Gerard Deulofeu had given Udinese the lead.

Betting Tip

No surprise that the Serie A betting odds back the hosts handsomely.

No surprise that the Serie A 2022 betting odds back the hosts handsomely.

They are available to tip 1X2 @ 1.47 and Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 2.42, which contrasts with Udinese 1X2 @ 6.00, Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 2.19, and the Draw @ 4.50.

A repeat of last season’s 2-1 home win will pay out @ 6.80 with Correct Score.

I am expecting goals but not too many, so perhaps Total Goal 2-3 @ 2.08 is also a safe bet.

 

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