Napoli to open up astonishing 18 point gap at top
Sassuolo have eased their relegation worries of late, pulling clear of the bottom three in the Serie A by putting together a decent unbeaten run. However, on Friday night, they must host runaway leaders Napoli at the Mapei Stadium and somehow avoid the fate of almost every other side that have come into contact with Gli Azzurri this term. Read our preview here:
Fratt boy
Since reaching the top tier of men's Italian football in 2013, I Neroverdi have largely remained in mid-table with one or two peaks and troughs either way. Head coach Alessio Dionisi has been in charge for one and a half years now, and has overseen a continuation of this pattern. At his disposal will be a fully fit squad minus right-back Jeremy Toljan, with Nadir Zortea standing in for his teammate. The output of much-coveted inside forward Domenico Berardi has dipped this term - normally, he's relied upon to easily get into double figures, but has just four to his name with three months of the campaign remaining. Unusually, defensive midfielder Davide Frattesi is in front with five, including a strike in the 5-2 away shellacking of AC Milan. That goal bonanza has been the exception rather than the rule, and Dionisi will be looking to his rearguard to hold firm.
Leader of Osimhen
The visitors have only lost twice (technically three times) in all competitions in 2022/2023, with only a single defeat in the league blotting their record. Luciano Spaletti has no concerns with his squad, and whilst there will doubtlessly be one eye on their Champions League last 16 tie with Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek, he still has a free hand to pick a very strong lineup with some rotation factored in. One of those who probably will play both is hotshot striker Victor Osimhen, who has crashed in over 20 for club and country this season. The 24 year old Nigerian international is wanted by a host of richer clubs, and the summer promises to be an interesting one for his long-term future.
Betting tip
Napoli could open up a practically unassailable lead of 18 points if they beat Sassuolo, with a first Scudetto for 33 years already looking probable rather than possible. betway have odds of 3.20 for an away win with both teams scoring.
