The Daily Star Ireland
Napoli will be missing their backup full-back Mazzocchi this weekend due to injury, but no other key players are unavailable. In their recent victory over Roma, Belgian striker Lukaku, who has scored 5 goals and registered 4 assists in Serie A, scored the match-winning goal. He is expected to be supported by wingers Kvaratskhelia, who has 5 goals and 2 assists, and Politano, with 1 goal so far. Napoli boasts the second-best defense in the league.
Lazio’s coach will again be without important players, including left-back Nuno Tavares and midfielder Castrovilli, both sidelined with injuries. Defender Romagnoli, who was substituted at halftime in their match against Bologna and did not feature in Thursday’s game, is expected to return. Winger Zaccagni, who scored against Bologna, should start, while the forward position remains uncertain between Castellanos, who has 5 goals, and Dia, who has 4 goals and 2 assists. However, Dia’s availability is uncertain, as is that of veteran midfielder Vecino.
Prediction
Looking at recent trends, Napoli has played nine home games with only one producing more than two goals. Similarly, 12 of Lazio’s last 17 away games in Serie A have seen fewer than 2.5 goals. Based on these patterns, the upcoming match is expected to be low-scoring.
Prediction: Napoli 0 : 1 Lazio
