Lazio vs Napoli Predictions

Lazio vs Napoli predictions in our match preview for Saturday’s Serie A clash. Lazio and Napoli, both defeated by Inter in Supercoppa Italiana, clash at Stadio Olimpico in Serie A on Sunday evening. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Serie A | Gameweek 22 – Jan 28, 2024 at 5pm UK at Stadio Olimpico

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Lazio vs Napoli Predictions

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The Battle for Supremacy: Lazio’s Resurgence Meets Napoli’s Quest for Redemption

As Serie A action resumes, Lazio and Napoli, both nursing the wounds of their defeats to Inter Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana, face off in a crucial encounter at Stadio Olimpico. Lazio, on an upward trajectory, clash with a Napoli side struggling to replicate their championship-winning form.

Lazio’s Resurgent Form

Lazio, under the guidance of Maurizio Sarri, have recently found a rhythm in Serie A, with four consecutive wins propelling them into the top six. The team’s resurgence is marked by victories against teams like Empoli, Frosinone, Udinese, and Lecce. Their triumph over Roma in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, leading to Mourinho’s exit, stands out as a testament to their newfound confidence. The focus for Lazio now turns to maintaining this momentum in Serie A and preparing for their impending Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

Napoli’s Struggle for Consistency

In contrast, Napoli’s season paints a picture of inconsistency and underperformance. Despite a semi-final victory in the Supercoppa over Fiorentina, they fell short against Inter, further dampening their campaign. Currently positioned ninth in Serie A, a significant turnaround is required for the Scudetto holders to salvage their season. Their struggles are accentuated by key absences, including Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, hampering their attacking prowess.

Tactical Analysis: Midfield Battles and Defensive Resilience

• Midfield Dominance: Lazio’s midfield, anchored by Luis Alberto and Matteo Guendouzi, is pivotal in dictating the tempo and creating chances. Napoli’s midfield, led by Piotr Zielinski, must disrupt Lazio’s rhythm to gain control.
• Defensive Strategies: Both teams have shown a degree of defensive stability, with Lazio conceding only 20 goals in 20 league games. Napoli’s recent formation shift to a three-man defence under Walter Mazzarri needs to withstand Lazio’s attacking threats.

Expected Lineups and Gameplay Implications

Lazio’s Expected Lineup: Provedel; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Marusic; Guendouzi, Rovella, Alberto; Isaksen, Castellanos, Anderson

Napoli’s Expected Lineup: Gollini; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus; Mazzocchi, Lobotka, Zielinski, Rui; Politano, Raspadori, Ngonge

Lazio, missing Immobile and Zaccagni, will rely on Castellanos and Isaksen for goals, with Anderson’s creativity being crucial. Napoli, dealing with several absences, might struggle in attack, but their makeshift lineup can still pose a threat, particularly through Politano and Raspadori.

Managerial Critique

Sarri’s Lazio has shown a blend of tactical flexibility and resilience, though his disdain for the Supercoppa format raises questions about his adaptability. Mazzarri’s Napoli faces criticism for the lack of consistency and inability to effectively manage games, especially in crucial moments.

Goals and Key Duels

• Goal Threats: Lazio’s Luis Alberto and Napoli’s Politano are key to their respective teams’ attacking endeavours. Their ability to find space and create chances will be crucial.
• Defensive Duels: Lazio’s Gila and Napoli’s Rrahmani will have their hands full, managing the opposition’s attacking threats.

Predictions and Rationale

Prediction 1: Both Teams to Score – No

Rationale: Considering Lazio’s strong defensive record and Napoli’s struggles in attack, especially away from home, a scenario where both teams score seems less likely.

Prediction 2: Correct Score – Lazio 2-0 Napoli

Rationale: Lazio’s current form and Napoli’s struggles, particularly in scoring goals, point towards a comfortable win for Lazio. The absence of key Napoli attackers further tilts the scale in Lazio’s favour.

Prediction 3: Goalscorer – Luis Alberto to Score

Rationale: Luis Alberto, with his knack for crucial goals and playmaking abilities, stands out as a likely candidate to score for Lazio, especially in the absence of Immobile.

Prediction 4: Team to Score First – Lazio

Rationale: Given Lazio’s recent form and home advantage, they are more likely to open the scoring. Napoli’s recent defensive woes, especially in away games, support this prediction.

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