We’re backing Napoli for victory as they aim to move past their difficult period with victory at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Best Predictions for Napoli vs Sassuolo
- Napoli Moneyline to nil @ -220
- Napoli to score over 1.5 goals @ -150
- Rasmus Hojlund as anytime goalscorer @ +140
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Napoli get back to basics
Napoli’s Serie A title defence has faced significant challenges recently following three consecutive draws. They are currently third in the table, six points behind leaders Inter Milan. Despite these setbacks, they kept a clean sheet in the scoreless draw with Parma on Wednesday.
The current season has been particularly difficult for manager Antonio Conte regarding squad availability. The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Anguissa, Billy Gilmour, and Romelu Lukaku remain sidelined. However, Juan Jesus is set to return against Sassuolo, having missed the last game due to suspension. Additionally, David Neres is back as well.
I Neroverdi are also going through a difficult period, as they’re winless in six and without an away victory since November. The visitors are also likely to be without midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt, further complicating their task. Napoli are favoured to win, given that they have beaten Sassuolo six consecutive times.
- Napoli vs Sassuolo Prediciton 1: Napoli Moneyline to nil @ -220
Goals to come in Naples
Napoli haven’t scored as many goals as they expected this season, and failed to score against Parma. However, I Partenopei have scored over two goals in seven of their last 10 matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, given that Sassuolo have managed only five clean sheets this season, the home team will be eager to score.
Antonio Conte will remain absent as he serves the second match of a two-game suspension following a red card against Inter. However, he will likely remain confident in his team's prospects. Naples have scored two or more goals against this opponent in each of their last eight matches. They will aim to maintain this trend as they seek a return to winning ways at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Napoli vs Sassuolo Prediction 2: Napoli to score over 1.5 goals @ -150
Hojlund’s search for form
Rasmus Hojlund has enjoyed a productive first season back in Serie A, contributing six goals and two assists in 16 league appearances. He also played a key role in Napoli’s Supercoppa Italiana victory. However, the Danish international has failed to score in his last four consecutive starts, including the recent stalemate with Parma.
Despite this, Hojlund is the bookies’ favourite to find the net in this match. With Lukaku absent, Hojlund is almost certainly going to lead the line in Naples and exploit the vulnerabilities in the Sassuolo defence.
Hojlund and Neres have been an efficient duo this season, assisting each other on numerous occasions, so the Brazilian’s return will be welcomed. Even if Neres does not start the match, their partnership could be a decisive factor in the second half as Hojlund aims to end his recent scoring drought.
- Napoli vs Sassuolo Prediction 3: Rasmus Hojlund as anytime goalscorer @ +140
Our analysis: Form of both teams
Score prediction - Napoli 2-0 Sassuolo
Goalscorers Prediction - Napoli: Scott McTominay, Rasmus Hojlund
Napoli have been in inconsistent form recently. They’ve dropped points in the Champions League and Serie A, but also won the Supercoppa Italiana since the start of the new year. A 1-1 draw with Parma in midweek made it three consecutive draws, and Gli Azzurri will be eager to get back to winning ways.
Sassuolo are struggling for victories, as they have gone six games without a win in Serie A, winning only six Serie A matches all season. Gli Azzurri have lost 3-0 to Juventus and 2-0 to Roma in their previous two matches, so they will view this match as an opportunity to gain winning momentum.
Probable lineups for Napoli vs Sassuolo
Napoli expected lineup: Milinkovic-Savic, Beukema, Rrahmani, Jesus, Di Lorenzo, McTominay, Lobotka, Spinazzola, Politano, Elmas, Hojlund
Sassuolo expected lineup: Muric, Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemovic, Doig, Matic, Lipani, Kone, Fadera, Lauriente, Pinamonti