Parma were very unlucky not to beat Genoa at Luigi Ferraris, but il Ducali can, nonetheless, build on the good performance in that match as they prepare to host high-flying Napoli. The Azzurri defeated Inter to extend their winning run to four games in all competitions, and Walter Mazzarri’s side can be forgiven for feeling they can win this match as well.

Unbeaten at home since October

Parma have been showing a lot of potential this season, but the team are now just five points clear of the relegation zone, meaning they cannot afford to relax just yet. With players like Giovinco, Floccari, Biabiany and Modesto in the attacking department, il Ducali have absolutely no problems in the scoring department, but their back line is conceding way too many goals this season, and that has to do something with the fact both Cristian Zaccardo and Alessandro Lucarelli are well past their prime. Add to that midfielder Massimo Gobbi, who acts as a left-back, and you will see why that is the case. Parma had a great opportunity to virtually ensure survival as they were two goals up going into the final stage of the away game against Genoa, but they had to settle for a 2-2 draw after conceding two late goals, one of which was in the sixth minute of added time. Il Ducali now return to home comforts, where they haven’t lost since October, but considering Napoli’s current form, the hosts will have to score at least a couple of goals in order to avoid defeat. That shouldn’t be a problem when we know that Parma scored three goals in three of their last four home games.

Alessandro Lucarelli and Francesco Valliani miss out through suspension, while Sergio Floccari and Massimo Gobbi are out with injury.

Red hot Napoli

Having struggled for form in the first part of the season, Napoli started the second part of the season well, winning their first two games, but the Azzurri then entered a poor run during which they won just one game in seven. Just when it seemed that Walter Mazzarri’s side wouldn’t be able to repeat the success from last term, the Partenopei rose from the ashes to record four straight victories in all competitions. The three-match winning run in Serie A saw them return in the race for top 3 finish, whereas the impressive victory over Chelsea opened the doors of the Champions League quarter-finals. With the attacking trio in full working order and Ezequiel Lavezzi on top of his game, Napoli have every reason to feel confident before the trip to Ennio Tardini, as Azzurri know they can win the game even if they conceded a couple of goals. Napoli have now kept five successive clean sheets in Serie A, but that run will be put to a serious test against the likes of Giovinco, Biabiany and Okaka Chuka.

Apart from Salvatore Aronica, who is out through suspension, Walter Mazzarri can choose from a fully fit squad.

Verdict

Parma have been scoring goals for fun at their Ennio Tardini and they can be trusted to score at least once against Napoli. The Azzurri are on top of their game at the moment, and with both sides looking for a win, we could see goals galore in this match.

Our prediction: Over 2.5 goals

Odds: 2.20 (6/5)

Bookmaker: 188BET