Udinese vs Napoli Prediction: 14/12/2024

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Udinese has had a strong start to this year’s Serie A campaign, moving up to 9th place with 20 points from 15 matches. However, the team experienced a challenging stretch between late October and early December, going winless in five games, with one draw and four losses. They managed to bounce back last Monday with a 1-2 victory over the relegation-bound Monza, marking a return to winning ways.

Napoli, the 2023 Serie A champions, are again competing near the top of the table. Currently in 2nd place, they trail league leaders Atalanta by just two points. Despite a solid record for much of the season, they’ve dropped points recently, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches. After victories over Roma and Torino, Napoli was defeated 0-1 by Lazio last weekend.

Udinese will be missing key players for this match, including goalkeeper Oyoke, midfielder Payero, forward Davis, and long-term absentee Alexis Sanchez. On a positive note, defender Isaak Touré, who had been suspended, is available. Italian forward Lucca, who scored last time out, is expected to start alongside Florian Thauvin, who has contributed three goals and two assists this season.

Napoli will be without full-back Mazzocchi and influential winger Kvaratskhelia, who has scored five goals and provided three assists this season. Romelu Lukaku, with five goals and four assists, is likely to lead the attack in Kvaratskhelia’s absence, alongside McTominay, who has scored three goals since joining the club. Napoli boasts the best defensive record in Serie A, tied with Fiorentina and Juventus.

Prediction

Given both teams’ recent tendencies toward low-scoring matches, this encounter is expected to be a tight one.

Prediction: Udinese 0-1 Napoli