There are 3 matches to enjoy in the Italian Serie A on Saturday, the second of which takes place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Lazio meet Napoli as they bid to not only extend their lead over 4th place Roma but also close the gap on Inter Milan and Juventus who are the only two clubs currently above them in the table.
Napoli start the weekend down in 8th place, some 15 points adrift of their opponents. A win in this game could be what they need to ignite their season.
Lazio come into this match having defeated Brescia 2-1 away from home on the 5th of January. That was their 3rd win in succession having previously defeated Juventus 3-1 in the Super Cup and Cagliari away from home in Serie A. Trends show Lazio are on a great run of form in Serie A and are undefeated in their last 12 games.
They have won each of their last 9 league matches including each of the last 4 at home. The home victories have come against Torino, Lecce, Udinese and Juventus, the latter of which was an excellent result. In each of their 4 most recent home matches in Serie A, Lazio have managed to win by 2 or more goals and they have scored at least 1 goal in each of their last 22 home Serie A games.
Napoli’s previous match was a big home game against Inter Milan in Serie A but they were found wanting as we lost 3-1. That defeat means it is now just one win in their last 10 league games and Napoli need to improve quickly if they are to qualify for European competition again next season.
Despite having won their most recent away match 2-1 against Sassuolo, that is Napoli’s only away win in their last 6 attempts. However, that doesn't mean they are easy to beat and Napoli have lost only one of their last 7 away Serie A games. That defeat came on their last visit to the Italian capital as Napoli lost 2-1 against Roma.
Trends show both teams have scored in each of Napoli’s last 5 away league matches.
Looking ahead to the team news and Lazio have only two potential absentees from this game. Lucas Leiva is struggling with a hand injury and Ricardo Kishna is coming back from a knee problem.
Napoli travel without Kevin Malcuit who has a cruciate ligament injury. Faouzi Ghoulam, Dries Mertens and Kalidou Koulibaly are all doubtful and Gennaro Gattuso will be keen to have all three available.
Given the current form of both teams there appears to be only one winner from this game. Lazio had been playing well and should come out on top to take maximum points with both teams scoring.