Napoli go into Thursday night’s Europa League last-32 first leg fixture against FC Zurich with a chip on their shoulder. The Italian side will feel it should be still playing in the Champions League.
Had it not been for a 90th minute save from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Napoli would be competing in the Champions League and not the Europa League. Despite feeling they shouldn’t be in the secondary European competition, Napoli have a great opportunity to win silverware. Ten of the last 11 teams to compete in the Europa League Final initially started the season in the Champions League.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team is second in Serie A and look likely of keeping that place for the rest of the season. Napoli have gone five matches without defeat in the league with three of those ending in victory. The Azzurri are coming off of a nil-nil away draw with Fiorentina. It was a good away result keeping the team’s momentum going.
In Europe, Napoli lost just once in the Champions League group stage. That loss came at the hand of Liverpool on matchday 6. Napoli were +2 in goal difference and only once allowed more than 1.5 goals to their opponents.
Zurich will find it difficult to break down the Azzurri’s defence. Napoli’s attack averages 1.8 goals per game. Forward Dries Mertens has tallied 11 goals in Serie A and the Champions League.
Zurich finished second in Europa League Group A with 10 points from 18. The Swiss club ended three points behind Bayer Leverkusen posting a +1-goal difference. Zurich gave up six goals in group play while keeping two clean sheets. Those clean sheets came on matchdays 1 and 2. Zurich freely conceded goals to Bayer and AEK Larnaca. Napoli should be able to get through the Swiss team’s defence just as easily.
The Swiss team’s attack is led by 21-year-old forward Stephen Odey. The Nigerian has tallied 11 goals, however, only one came in the Europa League group stage. Odey is not guaranteed a place in the side as he recovers from a groin injury. Pa Modou Jagne, Novem Baumann, Michael Kempter, Izer Aliu, Fabian Rohner, and Becir Omeragic are also missing through injury for Zurich.
Napoli are one of the Europa League favourites, according to leading sportsbooks. Alongside Chelsea and Arsenal, Napoli are highly rated by sportsbooks in their attempt to win silverware. Ancelotti’s side will expose Zurich’s defence and take advantage of their missing players. Napoli will get the first leg win and the fixture will see over 2.5 goals scored.