SSC Napoli will hope to retain the top spot in Serie A when they take on Udinese Calcio at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Sunday.
Napoli will look to extend their lead at the top of Serie A when they host Udinese Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday. With their closest challengers faltering midweek, the league leaders have a golden opportunity to take another step toward securing their second Scudetto in three seasons.
After an incredible run of seven successive league wins, Napoli’s momentum was halted last weekend when AS Roma scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in the Derby del Sole. Despite this setback, Napoli were handed a boost in their title pursuit as Inter Milan suffered a shock 3-0 defeat to Fiorentina, allowing the Partenopei to maintain their spot at the top of the table.
Under Antonio Conte, Napoli have undergone a remarkable resurgence this season. The Italian tactician has revitalised a squad that struggled last term, making them one of Europe’s most formidable sides. Despite frustrations over a disappointing transfer window, particularly the failure to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Conte’s men have been ruthless in the league.
Napoli boast an impressive home record, winning nine of their 11 Serie A matches at Stadio Maradona and keeping six clean sheets in the process. History is also on their side, as they have won their last 10 home league games against Udinese, scoring an average of 3.1 goals per game. Napoli’s firepower, defensive solidity, and title ambitions make them overwhelming favourites heading into this match.
For Udinese, history and form paint a daunting picture. The Friulani are winless in their last 17 league meetings with Napoli, losing 14 of those encounters, including 10 straight defeats at the Maradona.
However, last weekend’s 3-2 victory over Venezia ended a miserable run of five matches without a win. Goals from Sandi Lovric, Lorenzo Lucca, and Iker Bravo secured three vital points, though Udinese nearly squandered a two-goal lead against the struggling Venetians. Manager Kosta Runjaic will hope to build on that result, but his team’s away form remains a concern.
Udinese have lost five of their last nine away matches, a sharp decline compared to their solid record on the road last season. Securing back-to-back wins for the first time since September would require an extraordinary performance, particularly against the league leaders in their fortress. 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 are set to welcome back Alessandro Buongiorno after more than a month on the sidelines due to injury. However, the defender may only feature from the bench, with Juan Jesus expected to partner Amir Rrahmani at the heart of the defence.
The only confirmed absentee for Antonio Conte’s side is Mathias Olivera, with the left-back ruled out until next month due to a calf injury. In Olivera’s absence, Leonardo Spinazzola is set to continue in the left-back role, offering defensive cover and attacking contributions from the flank.
Leading Napoli’s attack, Romelu Lukaku will be a key figure, having scored six goals in eight Serie A matches against Udinese during his career. Conte will look to his physical presence and clinical finishing to break down Udinese’s resilient defence. Meanwhile, Noah Okafor, who signed a new loan, is expected to start on the bench and is ready to make an impact if needed.
Napoli will likely line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Alex Meret as the goalkeeper. In defence, Giovanni Di Lorenzo will operate at right-back, providing leadership and overlaps in attack, while Amir Rrahmani and Juan Jesus form the central defensive pairing. Leonardo Spinazzola will slot in at left-back, adding width and creativity on the flank.
In midfield, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Stanislav Lobotka, and Scott McTominay will form a balanced trio. Anguissa will bring energy and ball-winning ability, Lobotka will serve as the playmaker from deep, and McTominay will provide a dynamic box-to-box presence.
The attacking trio will see Matteo Politano on the right wing, cutting inside onto his left foot to create scoring opportunities, while David Neres operates from the left, using his pace and flair to stretch the defence. Romelu Lukaku will spearhead the attack as the lone striker, looking to add to his impressive record against Udinese.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Spinazzola; Anguissa, Lobotka, McTominay; Politano, Lukaku, Neres
Udinese Calcio
Udinese’s main attacking threat, Lorenzo Lucca, continues to lead the line, boasting an impressive tally of 17 goals since the start of last season, with eight of those goals coming via headers. The towering striker’s aerial prowess will once again be pivotal for the Friulani. Florian Thauvin and Alexis Sánchez are vying to partner Lucca in attack, with Thauvin likely getting the nod.
Udinese have received a boost with the return of several players. Forward Keinan Davis and wing-back Kingsley Ehizibue are back in full training, and Swedish midfielder Jesper Karlstrom is available again after serving a suspension. However, they will still be without Isaak Toure, Lautaro Giannetti, and first-choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who remain sidelined due to injuries.
Udinese are expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Razvan Sava starting in goal due to Maduka Okoye’s unavailability. The defensive trio will consist of Rasmus Kristensen on the right, Jaka Bijol in the centre, and Oumar Solet on the left, providing a mix of physicality and ball-playing ability.
The midfield five will feature Kingsley Ehizibue as the right wing-back, bringing pace and width, while Hassane Kamara operates on the left flank. In central midfield, Sandi Lovric, Jesper Karlstrom, and Martin Payero will form a robust and creative trio, tasked with breaking up Napoli’s attacks and supporting Udinese’s front line.
Up front, Florian Thauvin will provide creativity and link-up play alongside Lorenzo Lucca, who will act as the focal point for Udinese’s attack. Lucca’s ability to hold up the ball and capitalise on aerial opportunities will be crucial against a Napoli defence that may be without Alessandro Buongiorno from the start.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Sava; Kristensen, Bijol, Solet; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Payero, Kamara; Thauvin, Lucca
Key Stats
- Napoli are unbeaten in their last 17 Serie A matches against Udinese (14 wins, 3 draws). This is one of their longest streaks against a single opponent, surpassed only by streaks against Cagliari (18), Cesena (26), Como (18), and Roma (19).
- Napoli have won each of their last 10 Serie A home games against Udinese, scoring an impressive average of 3.1 goals per match during this period. The Partenopei have only managed longer home-winning streaks against Como (12) and Hellas Verona (11) in Serie A.
- After seven consecutive Serie A wins, Napoli were held to a 1-1 draw against Roma last weekend. They are now at risk of drawing back-to-back league matches for the first time since the final two matchdays of last season.
- Napoli have kept a clean sheet in six of their 11 home Serie A matches this season. This defensive feat is unmatched in the league, with Juventus and AC Milan also achieving six clean sheets at home. The last time Napoli collected more clean sheets in their first 12 home games was during the 2018/19 season.
- Udinese now have a chance to record back-to-back Serie A wins for the first time since August-September, when they won three straight matches.
Player to Watch
Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku’s physicality, aerial dominance, and ability to hold up play make him a nightmare for defenders, and his knack for finding space in the box ensures he remains a constant threat. With Napoli missing the creativity of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this season, Lukaku has become even more vital, thriving on service from the likes of Matteo Politano and David Neres. His partnership with these wide players allows him to capitalize on their crosses and through balls.
In addition to his finishing prowess, Lukaku’s ability to link play will be essential against Udinese’s defensively compact setup. Whether he is holding off defenders to create chances for teammates or converting opportunities himself, Lukaku will play a pivotal role in Napoli’s attack.
With the Partenopei needing a win to solidify their title bid, expect Lukaku to step up on the big stage at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, leading the line with authority and making his presence felt against Udinese.
Prediction
SSC Napoli 3-1 Udinese Calcio
With their sights set on a second Scudetto in three seasons, Napoli have all the tools to dominate this fixture. Antonio Conte’s tactical acumen, a formidable home record, and superior squad quality should prove too much for an inconsistent Udinese side.
While Udinese showed grit in their win over Venezia, their defensive vulnerabilities and poor away form could leave them exposed to Napoli’s lethal attack. Expect Napoli to control proceedings and secure a comfortable win. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for Antonio Conte and his charges.
