Third-placed Napoli will be looking to make amends for the derby loss to Juventus when they host Parma at Stadio San Paolo on Saturday evening, whereas il Ducali clearly face a difficult task in an attempt to arrest the latest downtrend in fortunes and end a three-match winless run in Serie A.

Costly defeat to Juve

Buoyed by the heavy summer recruitment, Napoli enjoyed a bright start to the league campaign, proving they are agin ready to mount a serious title challenge. The big strength in depth allowed the Azzurri to also do do well in Europe, where they are on the verge of progressing from the group of death. However, team’s Serie A title hopes suffered a serious blow as Rafael Benitez’s side succumbed to a 3-0 defeat in Turin, although there is still plenty of time to catch Roma and Juventus at the top. Napoli will have a perfect opportunity to return to winning ways as they play host to out of form Parma, and having done so well in previous home matches, the Azzurri can be trusted to take the lead early on. Nevertheless, even if they remain hot favorites for the win, the hosts will have to be wary of the opposition attackers and especially one Antonio Cassano who has bee rejuvenated by the move to Ennio Tardini.

Apart from long term casualties Giandomenico Mesto and Camilo Zuniga, Rafael Benitez will have fully fit squad to choose from.

Poor run of form

Parma have been making steady progress over the last few years, but they have yet to make that final step and join the chase for European places. I Ducali have done well to keep hold of most key players in the summer, while also signing several very good footballers, with Antonio Cassano and Walter Gargano arguably the biggest signings of the summer. With boss Roberto Donadoni not afraid to play attacking football, Parma have proved they’ve got enough attacking potential to hurt even the strongest defences in Serie A, although that has seen them concede way too many goals so far. Following the 3-2 home win over AC Milan, I Ducali have been struggling for form of late, which is enough to suggest they are going to experience problems against star-studded Napoli side, although they will have plenty of space and opportunities to launch their trademark counter attacks at Stadio San Paolo.

While Alejandro Rosi is banned, Daniele Galloppa, Joel Obi and Nicola Pavarini are out injured and Stefano Okaka Chuka is doubtful.

Verdict

Napoli have so far been quite impressive at home, usually breaking their opponents within the first period. The Azzurri should be able to continue the good run against Parma, although I wouldn’t bet on them keeping a clean sheet in the process.

Top pick: Napoli/Napoli   2.20 (6/5) @ Coral

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score   1.95 (19/20) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 2: Home win + both teams to score   3.20 (11/5) @ Stan James