Napoli will boss the wings
Thursday nights have never felt better with all the round of 16 Europa League games in action. Napoli go up against Salzburg at home in the San Paolo in what should be full force from the get go.
After a loss at the weekend to Juve, Napoli are looking to take their frustrations out on someone, anyone. The Austrians shouldn’t be underestimated and they have a fine young team that plays fast football.
In all likelihood it’s looking like a contest that should deliver goals at both ends.
Napoli ready to pounce
Napoli will have their charasticerally bombastic support behind them in the San Paolo and with that backing expect them to go out at a high tempo.
Salzburg are a team that like to play the ball forward in tight situations but it can always come at a risk if they lose the ball. If that happens you can be sure Napoli will pounce on them ferociously in the final third.
Considering the width Napoli like to use with key players like Insigne and Callejon you can be sure to expect a whole host of corners.
Sights set on Europe
Juventus put the final nail in the coffin for Napoli’s Serie A challenge at the weekend with a 2-1 win at home in Turin. No doubt it’ll surely dampen Napoli’s spirits, but it means they can now fully focus on their Europa League ambitions, and European silverware will no doubt be a top priority.
Ancelotti is desperate to give Napoli fans something to shout about and he’ll no doubt utilise the tense surroundings of the San Paolo that’s already proven difficult ground for both Liverpool and PSG.
Talented but naive
Salzburg have a lot in common with Napoli in the way they like to go forward, perhaps with a little less overall quality. They’re taking this competition extremely seriously roaring through the group stages with a perfect record of six of six wins. That’s no small feat considering they were going up against RB Leipzig and Celtic.
The Austrians play tight in midfield but are predisposed to taking risks. Their youthful side play positive football but it can often lead to naive mistakes being made which won’t go unpunished in southern Italy.
Betting tip
Napoli are coming out with all guns blazing for this one. Salzburg will make mistakes and lose the ball allowing Napoli to push forward on the break. Expect corners. Lots of them.
I’m betting Napoli over 6.5 corners for odds of 21/20 (2.05) with Unibet!
