Napoli will aim to keep up the pressure on Atalanta when they take on Venezia on Sunday afternoon in Serie A.
Napoli’s remarkable form under Antonio Conte has revitalised their Serie A title challenge, and they will aim to cap off a memorable year with a victory against struggling Venezia at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. While their dominance away from home has been evident, a slight dip in their home form adds a layer of intrigue to this encounter. With two losses in their last three league matches in Naples, the Partenopei will want to solidify their fortress as they pursue Atalanta BC at the top of the table.
The Partenopei’s ability to edge past Genoa in their last outing, despite late pressure, highlighted their resilience. Antonio Conte’s tactical acumen was on full display, with well-timed headers from Amir Rrahmani and Frank Anguissa securing vital points. Conte’s rapid milestone of 150 Serie A wins, achieved in just 220 matches, underlines his impact since taking over Napoli.
Napoli’s attacking depth and defensive structure make them clear favourites in this matchup. Though they’ve stumbled at home recently, their overall strength this season — combined with an unbeaten record against Venezia stretching back decades — makes a strong case for another home victory.
On the other hand, Venezia approach this clash as underdogs but with newfound confidence. Their win against relegation rivals Cagliari before Christmas was a morale booster, extending their unbeaten run to three games. Eusebio Di Francesco’s side has shown more resolve lately, clawing back from a poor run of form to inch closer to safety. However, their woeful away record — 16 Serie A matches without a win on the road — looms large as they prepare to take on a title-contending Napoli side.
For Venezia to stand a chance, they will need defensive discipline and opportunism in front of goal, as Napoli’s attack led by Victor Osimhen and their creative midfield has proven difficult to contain. Additionally, Napoli’s defensive stability, led by Amir Rrahmani, ensures they remain tough to break down. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
SSC Napoli
Napoli will again be without Alessandro Buongiorno, who continues to recover from an injury that has sidelined him in recent weeks. However, the hosts will welcome back Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to the starting XI after the Georgian winger overcame a knee sprain that limited his involvement to a substitute appearance in Genoa.
Napoli’s attacking lineup may see either David Neres or Matteo Politano drop to the bench to accommodate Kvaratskhelia’s return, while Romelu Lukaku remains the focal point up front, having been directly involved in eight goals across his last seven Serie A matches against promoted sides. The midfield trio of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Stanislav Lobotka, and Scott McTominay is expected to start again, providing balance and control in the centre of the park.
Napoli’s probable starting XI will line up in their familiar 4-3-3 formation. Alex Meret will start between the posts, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Mathias Olivera operating as full-backs on the right and left, respectively. At the heart of the defence, Amir Rrahmani and Juan Jesus will provide solidity.
The midfield trio will consist of Frank Anguissa, Stanislav Lobotka, and Scott McTominay, tasked with dictating play and offering defensive cover. Up front, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and David Neres (or Matteo Politano) will flank the prolific Romelu Lukaku, who will lead the line as Napoli’s primary goal threat.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, McTominay; Neres, Lukaku, Kvaratskhelia
Venezia FC
Venezia’s injury concerns remain the same, with Michael Svoboda sidelined due to an ACL injury, alongside Alfred Duncan (calf), Richie Sagrado, and Antonio Raimondo (both thigh issues). Head coach Eusebio Di Francesco is unlikely to make significant changes to his lineup following a morale-boosting victory last week.
As a result, Gaetano Oristanio and Gianluca Busio are expected to retain their places in the starting XI, operating in advanced roles behind lone striker Joel Pohjanpalo.
Venezia’s likely formation will be a 3-4-2-1 setup. Filip Stankovic will start in goal, shielded by a back three consisting of Giorgio Altare, Jay Idzes, and Marin Sverko. Out wide, Francesco Zampano and Mikael Egill Ellertsson will occupy the wing-back roles, providing width and defensive support.
The midfield will see Hans Nicolussi Caviglia partnering Magnus Kofod Andersen in central areas to dictate play and protect the defence. In the attack, Gaetano Oristanio and Gianluca Busio will operate as creative forces behind target man Joel Pohjanpalo, who will lead the line for Venezia.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Stankovic; Altare, Idzes, Sverko; Zampano, Andersen, Caviglia, Ellertsson; Oristanio, Busio; Pohjanpalo
Key Stats
- Napoli are unbeaten in their last eight Serie A games against Venezia (W5 D3), keeping a clean sheet in each of the last five. The last time Venezia beat Napoli in Serie A was back on March 8, 1942, in a 4-1 victory.
- Venezia have won only one of their last 14 league matches against Napoli across Serie A and Serie B (D8 L5). That sole victory came on May 24, 2003, in Serie B, with a 2-1 scoreline.
- Napoli are unbeaten in their home games against Venezia in Serie A (W4 D3). Additionally, they have kept clean sheets in their last three home meetings with Venezia in the competition.
- Against newly promoted opponents, Napoli have lost just one of their last 14 league matches (W8 D5). That solitary defeat was a 2-0 loss to Monza on May 14, 2023, a match that occurred after Napoli had already secured the Scudetto.
- Venezia currently hold the longest ongoing streak of consecutive away games without a win in Serie A, stretching to 16 matches (D4 L12). The last time Venezia won an away game in the top flight was on February 12, 2022, when they beat Torino 2-1.
Player to Watch
Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian striker, who has been involved in eight goals in his last seven Serie A appearances against promoted teams, relishes opportunities like this to dominate the opposition.
Lukaku’s combination of strength, speed, and technical ability makes him a nightmare for defenders, and his aerial prowess provides Napoli with a dangerous weapon in set-piece situations. Having been the focal point of Napoli’s attack under Antonio Conte, Lukaku’s movement off the ball creates space for his teammates, while his hold-up play allows midfield runners like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano to thrive.
Facing a Venezia defence that has struggled on the road and conceded in each of their last 16 away matches in Serie A, Lukaku is well-positioned to add to his goal tally. His experience and composure in front of goal make him the player Venezia will have to work hardest to contain.
Prediction
SSC Napoli 3-0 Venezia FC
Napoli’s superior squad depth and home advantage should see them through comfortably, with the likes of Victor Osimhen and Piotr Zielinski pulling the strings. Venezia’s away-day struggles are likely to continue, despite their recent improvement in form.