Any miniscule hopes of Napoli reeling in runaway Serie A leaders Juventus were all-but extinguished midweek.
Carlo Ancelotti's men lost 2-1 at Empoli while the reigning Scudetto holders collected maximum points from their clash with Cagliari. The gap between the pair is now 18 points and Juve can secure another top-flight title if they win against Milan and Napoli are beaten for a second time in the week on Sunday.
888Sport don’t expect that to be the case though, making the home side just 1/4 (1.25) to get back to winning ways. The visitors are rank outsiders at 21/2 (11.50) and the draw a 22/5 (5.40) play with the same firm.
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Cesare Prandelli's side have done most of their best work on home soil this season. The visitors have picked up 24 of their 33 Serie A points in front of their own fans including a 2-0 win over table-topping Juventus last month although they also took a share of a spoils on their trip to the Allianz Stadium too.
While they are expected to win, the favourites could be forgiven for looking beyond this game somewhat, especially with a blockbuster meeting with Arsenal in the Europa League on Thursday.
That could mean there is an extra urgency about Napoli's play in the early stages. Were they to establish a comfortable early lead, it could afford Ancelotti the opportunity to rest key members of his squad with that trip to the Emirates Stadium in mind, especially with little to play for domestically.
Goal
With that in mind, backing over 1.5 first half goals looks the best play for punters at 7/5 (2.40) with 888Sport.
This is a selection that would have paid out in five of Napoli's last six Serie A games, so another fast start would be no surprise.
Those seeking a bigger price should consider a small investment in both teams to score in the first half at 9/2 (5.50). This has paid out in the home sides’ previous three league outings.
Genoa aren’t prolific, especially on their travels, but have shown enough to suggest they’ll pose problems to a side who haven’t kept a clean sheet in this competition in five attempts.
Over 1.5 first half goals at 7/5 (2.40) for a 1pt stake with 888Sport
888Sport
