Napoli wrapped up their Serie A campaign with a solid away win over bottom side Pisa by three goals to nil which sealed their top four finish and a return to the Champions League. Under Antonio Conte the team could not defend their title but still managed a respectable second place finish overall. There is plenty of talk that this clash against Udinese might be Conte’s last game in charge at the club before he takes over the Italy national team job. Fans in Naija and beyond are already buzzing about who might replace him with Maurizio Sarri being the name on everyone’s lips after his previous successful spell at the club.
Team Form
- Napoli have shown real consistency this season winning their last home fixtures comfortably and keeping clean sheets when it mattered most.
- Udinese sit comfortably in mid table without any relegation worries which has allowed them to play with freedom especially on their travels this spring.
- The visitors have not lost away since March and have netted at least twice in each of their last five road games across all competitions.
Key players like Victor Osimhen continue to lead the attack with pace and power while Udinese rely on their counter attacking threats and set piece routines to cause problems. The absence of pressure on the Friulani side could see them take a few risks which often leads to open entertaining football when they visit the big clubs.
Tactical Analysis
- Conte is expected to line up in his familiar three at the back system looking to control the midfield and launch quick breaks through the wings.
- Udinese under their current coach have been more adventurous away from home mixing solid defending with sudden forward surges that have yielded goals regularly.
- Both sides boast attacking options capable of punishing any defensive lapses so expect end to end action rather than a cagey affair.
The match promises plenty of goal mouth excitement given the recent scoring patterns and the fact that Napoli will want to send their coach off on a high note if this really is his farewell game.
Betting Proposal
Local punters and Naija football fans looking for value should consider the goals market as both teams have shown they can find the net when playing without heavy pressure. The hosts will push forward while Udinese have proven dangerous on the break during their unbeaten away run this spring.
Take the over 2.5 goals option at around 1.88 as Napoli and Udinese are both likely to contribute to a high scoring encounter with at least three goals expected in total.
