Serie A: Napoli vs Juventus betting preview

Napoli may not been the same dominant side as last season but it’s always a treat when two Serie A rivals lock horns. The title-holders will play host on Sunday to Juventus, who are currently in the midst of an impressive campaign. Although Napoli is down in eighth spot, they’re coming off a dominant 6-1 victory mid-week over Sassuolo, which should hopefully give them some confidence here. Juve meanwhile beat Frosinone 3-2 last weekend thanks to a late winner from Daniele Rugani. Below, we’ll discuss head-to-head history between Napoli and Juventus and preview the game.

Head-to-head history

Juventus has lost more matches to Napoli than any other side in Serie A. But, they did win their first meeting of the campaign by a score of 1-0 in Turin. In the last 11 games between the two, they’ve both won five apiece and settled for a draw. In 2022-23 when the Blues were truly firing on all cylinders, they beat the Old Lady both times. 17 points currently separate Napoli and Juve in the table.

Napoli

After winning the Scudetto last season, it’s been a much different campaign for Napoli. Following the departure of manager Luciano Spalletti, they’ve struggled to replicate their past success. Despite having more or less the same squad, Gli Azzurri hace a disappointing 11-7-8 record, scoring 40 goals in 26 outings while conceding 30. Napoli is eight points off a Champions League berth.

Speaking of the UCL though, Francesco Calzona’s men are in the Round of 16 and just played to a 1-1 draw with Barcelona a couple of weeks back ahead of the return tie later this month. While it’s hard to imagine Napoli going all the way in Europe’s most prized competition, it’s their only chance at silverware this term.

When it comes to current form, the Blues had only collected three points in their previous three games before hammering Sassuolo on Wednesday. The hosts did get on the scoresheet first but after that, it was all Napoli. Talisman Victor Osimhen bagged four goals while Georgian sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also netted a brace. We’ll see if they can build off of it. The Scudetto holders sit at +140 odds to win on Sunday at 888sport.

Juventus

The last few years were extremely difficult for Juventus, a club who is typically towards the top of Serie A. But between point deductions and poor form, they haven’t been the same force as the past. That being said, 2023-24 is a mile better for the Old Lady. Sure, Inter Milan is clearly running away with the title, but Juve is surely going to finish in a Champions League spot. In 26 games, Max Allegri’s group has an impressive 17-6-3 record, only conceding 19 times and scoring 41.

Although Juventus is only 1-2-2 in their last five appearances, they did get back on track on matchday 25 against Frosinone. Dusan Vlahovic opened the scoring early in the first half before the visitors scored twice. The Serb equalized before the halftime whistle however and as previously mentioned, Rugani played hero in the sixth minute of injury time, courtesy of a Vlahovic assist. The striker is a massive piece for this side, leading the squad with 15 goals and four assists.

Juve finally got a win after a concerning streak of four games without three points, but it will not be easy to march into Naples and grab a victory against a Napoli side who is typically strong at home. Plus, Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia are high on confidence right now. The visitors are a very slim underdog at most soccer betting sites but still have plus odds.