Udinese-Napoli Betting Preview: Expect Zebrette to scupper the visitors' title challenge
Feb 25, 2013 9:00:00 AM
With the Europa League distraction now out of the way, Walter Mazzarri's men can focus on catching Juventus, but Al Hain-Cole thinks that they will be disappointed tonight
Due to their Europa League commitments, Napoli have constantly been playing catch-up with Juventus in the hunt for the Serie A title this season, and their latest Monday night clash sees them facing a difficult trip to Udinese.With a potential championship decider against La Vecchia Signora coming up next weekend, Walter Mazzarri’s men will want to secure a victory this evening in order to ensure that the gap stays at just four points before they face the league leaders.
However, having failed to win at the Stadio Friuli in the last four attempts, the Partenopei may struggle to justify Bet365’s odds of 7/5 (2.40) on them collecting a vital three points in northern Italy.With four consecutive home wins under their belt, Francesco Guidolin’s men are not to be underestimated in their own back yard, and may offer decent value at 2/1 (3.00) to come out on top tonight.
The visitors’ title bid has been slightly derailed by three draws in their last five matches, and you can get odds of 11/5 (3.20) on them sharing the spoils once again here.
If Napoli were to overcome the Zebrette they would be accomplishing a task that only rivals Juventus have managed in the league this season, when an early red card for the hosts all but gifted the champions all three points.
Barring that early aberration though, Guidolin’s men have been formidable in Udine, and will be confident of frustrating a visiting side that is without a win in four games in all competitions.It is not often that you find such strong hosts available at generous 4/7 (1.57) odds to merely avoid defeat on their own turf, so you should not think twice before backing them to win or draw in this game.
One man who will be particularly looking forward to this match is the evergreen Antonio Di Natale, who has scored seven goals in his last three home games against this opposition.
The 35-year-old is competing with Napoli’s Edinson Cavani for his third Capocannoniere award, and is well worth backing at tempting 15/4 (3.75) odds to make up ground on the league’s current top scorer by hitting the back of the net first this evening.
 |
BET |
OF THE |
DAY |
| BEST BET |
VALUE BET |
| Udinese to win or draw at 4/7 (1.57) with Bet365 |
Antonio Di Natale to score first at 15/4 (3.75) with Bet365 |
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Al Hain-Cole is a Liverpool fan, experienced tipster and avid follower of European football. He specialises in accumulators and if you would like to read more from Al you can follow him on Twitter here.
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