Lazio vs Napoli

September 19, 2017
By: Milos Markovic

High-flying Napoli travel to Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night for the second true test of their title credentials after the AC Milan tie. Partenopei are locking horns with in-form Lazio who continue to grow under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi.

Lazio on the run

Biancocelesti are enjoying a fantastic run of form which stretches all the way back to May. Simone Inzaghi’s men are unbeaten in last ten matches in all competitions – preseason included – and, what’s more, have lost only one of those. Lazio kicked off the new season with a trophy after pipping Juventus to a Super Coppa title thanks to an exciting 3-2 win. The beginning of the new Serie A campaign brought a frustrating goalless draw against the league’s newcomers SPAL but Lazio quickly found their rhythm to notch four consecutive victories – three domestic ones and a win at Vitesse in the Europa League opener. Inzaghi boasts a talented group of men boosted by quality professionals this summer. Lazio play a visually appealing brand of football characterised by an attacking style of play and high intensity. Biancocelesti are conceding but are also scoring plenty of goals which ultimately keeps them neck in front of their rivals. Led by rejuvenated Ciro Immobile, who has so far bagged 6 goals in four matches of the new season, Lazio are enjoying arguably the best football in a while and will be a tough nut to crack for the rampant Napoli.

Felipe Anderson is having problems with a muscle injury, whereas the Brazilian Wallace is suffering from a calf problem. Federico Marchetti remains sidelined with a knee injury, whereas there is a good chance summer signing Nani could be rewarded his Lazio debut after making great progress with his knee injury.

Napoli’s year?

Partenopei have been flirting with the Scudetto for quite some time but have thus far been unable to break Juventus’ domestic dominance. Napoli are currently sitting top of the league with a favourable goal difference keeping them in front of the reigning Serie A champions Juventus in second and Inter Milan in third. From the tactical point of view, Maurizio Sarri has transformed Napoli completely and Partenopei have become a proper force to be reckoned with although their 2-1 Champions League defeat at Shakhtar Donets is pleading to argue otherwise. They might be too green for international glory but their domestic exploits came as great proof of this side’s maturity and quality. Sarri deserves plenty of credit, nevertheless, for his impressive work. Napoli are a possession-based side, impressively organised and with high-quality players in every position. Lorenzo Insigne with 4 assists to his name and Dries Mertens with five goals in his tally have been the two players to keep a close eye on. Napoli’s versatility appears to be their biggest strength, however, as Sarri’s team is more than just two players sticking out. They are a fantastic group of high-quality individuals who can hit you hard from all positions.

Maurizio Sarri is without any selection concerns ahead of the match at Stadio Olimpico. The Napoli head coach is expected to field his strongest line-up.

Verdict

If there is one thing we can guarantee for the upcoming match then its’ goals. Both Lazio and Napoli are attack-oriented sides who like to go forward and play for a goal more. Quality-wise, it’s hard to tell these two sides apart and we will definitely be in for a closely contested affair.

Top pick: Both teams to score – yes   1.54 (8/15) @188bet

Alternative pick 1: Over 3.5 goals   2.50 (6/4) @PaddyPower

Alternative pick 2 Immobile to score anytime   2.48 (31/21) @Unibet

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