Napoli returned to winning ways with an impressive victory over Parma and Walter Mazzarri’s side are now eager to continue in the same manner. Cagliari will have problems recovering from the 4:0 defeat to Udinese, so they look unlikely to get something from this match.

Napoli still flying high

Even though Napoli have played some great football this term, not too many people believed the Partenopei would be able to keep up with teams like Milan and Inter. However, the mere fact that Walter Mazzarri’s side now have a chance to close the gap behind leaders to three points prove they have been simply outstanding this season. Napoli did suffer a small dip in form during which they were eliminated from Europe and lost to Milan at San Siro, but they managed to return to the right track by beating Parma away, mostly thanks to Ezequiel Lavezzi, who had just returned from a five-match ban. With attacking trident of Hamsik, Cavani and Lavezzi set to be unleashed again, the hosts definitely look like a good bet against Cagliari. Boss Walter Mazzarri could miss the game as he is suffering from kidney stones, but the players will be even more motivated than usual to win this game for their coach.

Cristian Maggio misses out through suspension, while Campagnaro, Santacroce and Grava remain sidelined.

Embarrassing defeat to Udinese

Over the last few years, Cagliari have established themselves as genuine mid table team and they seem to have no ambitions of fighting to achieve European qualification. The Rossoblu have already ensured survival and they have nothing to play for at the moment, which is starting to affect their showings. After brining one point from Bologna, Cagliari suffered a 4:0 defeat at home to Udinese, which will serve as a big blow to the players’ confidence before the game with Napoli. Being under no pressure to get anything from this match, the Rossoblu will probably open up and try to hurt their opponents on the break, but that could make Napoli’s job even easier, especially now that Lavezzi has returned to the side. Cagliari have been far from impressive on the travels and I don’t think they have what it takes to get something from this match.

Starting defender Davide Astori is suspended, while midfielder Pisano and striker Nene are sidelined.

Verdict

Ezequiel Lavezzi has made his return in the best possible time and the Parma game showed how much stronger Napoli are with him in the side. Cagliari are on the downtrend, as witnessed by the heavy defeat to Udinese and home win shouldn’t come into question.

Our prediction: Home win with -1 Asian handicap

Odds: 2.00 (1/1)

Bookmaker: Bet365