Napoli vs Palermo
Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 29 January 2017
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Stadio San Paolo (Naples).
Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 29 January 2017
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Stadio San Paolo (Naples).
They might be both faced in Southern Italy, but that is all that Napoli and Palermo will have in common as they meet at the Stadio San Paolo on Sunday evening.
The Partenopei are still very much involved in this season’s Scudetto race, and are featuring in the Champions League as well as the Coppa Italia, so in theory, could win at least one piece of silverware at the end of this season. By contrast, the Rosanero are very much involved in an unwanted battle – to stay afloat. They are now on their fourth coach, which is par for the course at Palermo, and unfortunately will likely go through another manager or two before the end of this term.
This fixture could not come at a better time for Napoli, and a worse one for new Palermo boss Diego Lopez. The Partenopei have been in imperious form and come into this game having earned vital wins over Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia midweek, and then against AC Milan in league action last weekend. Meanwhile, Palermo did put up a good fight, but were unable to prevent Inter from earning a 1-0 win, which surely will not help their already flagging confidence.
Although Napoli struggled initially when Arkadiusz Milik went out injured, they have more than recovered. Dries Mertens has racked up 12 goals, whilst Jose Maria Callejon has 8. Combined, these two players have more goals than Palermo’s entire total of 17. The Rosanero were heavily reliant on Macedonian international Ilija Nestorovski, but his goals have since dried up and no one else seems to be able to really pick up the slack.
Napoli vs Palermo: Head-to-head statistics
Napoli have a record of W17-D2-L1 in their past 20 home games against teams ranked below them in the table
Palermo have a record of W1-D5-L14 in their past 20 away games against teams ranked above them in the table.
Napoli are unbeaten at the San Paolo against Palermo in 16 Serie A games (W11 D5). In addition, they have lost only once at home against the Rosanero in 22 meetings in the top-flight.
The Partenopei are unbeaten in 10 Serie A games (W7 D3) and have scored in their past 22 consecutive home Serie A games. Palermo have lost 12 out of their last 14 games
Napoli have scored at least two goals in their past seven Serie A games. While, Palermo have conceded at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 away matches. However, they have managed to score in 10 out of their last 11 road fixtures.
Napoli vs Palermo: Prediction
On paper, this is arguably the most lopsided clash of this round. Yes, Palermo managed a very impressive comeback to beat Genoa 4-3 last year, but Napoli are not the Grifone. Their home record is fearsome, as is their attack, and it will take nothing short of a miracle for the Rosanero to even get a point out of this fixture. They may be able to grab a goal, perhaps, but all in all, it should be a highly entertaining encounter to wrap up matchday 22.
Napoli vs Palermo: Betting tips
Over 2.5 goals at 1/3 (1.33)
Napoli to win and BTTS – YES at 7/4 (2.75).
Napoli to win and BTTS – YES at 7/4 (2.75).
