Napoli, the defending champions, have experienced a somewhat inconsistent season under Walter Mazzarri, facing challenges in maintaining their form.
The upcoming Serie A match between Napoli and Cagliari, scheduled for December 16, 2023, promises to be an intriguing encounter. The match is set to take place at the Stadio San Paolo, kicking off at 6pm WAT
Napoli's Current Form and Tactics
Napoli, the defending champions, have experienced a somewhat inconsistent season under Walter Mazzarri, facing challenges in maintaining their form. Their recent fixtures have been a mixed bag, with victories against teams like Atalanta and Braga, but defeats to heavyweight clubs like Real Madrid, Inter, and Juventus.
The Partenopei’s season has been underwhelming compared to their Serie A title success in 2022/23. However, they aim to bridge these gaps and recover from a challenging start under former coach Rudi Garcia.
Key players to watch in the Napoli squad include Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen, both capable of turning the game in Napoli's favor. The team is expected to continue with their attacking approach, leveraging the skills of their forward players.
Cagliari's Situation and Approach
Cagliari, under Claudio Ranieri, started the season poorly but have shown signs of improvement, especially after their promotion last season. They currently sit just above the relegation zone and are keen on causing an upset. Their recent victory against Sassuolo indicates growing confidence in the team.
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This match promises to be an intense clash, with both teams eager to bounce back from their recent disappointments.
Cagliari's approach might be more defensive, aiming to exploit Napoli's vulnerabilities, especially given Napoli's struggles at home, where they have only picked up one point in their last four matches.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Napoli has had the upper hand in this fixture, winning 18 out of the last 34 matches against Cagliari. However, recent matches have seen a few draws, indicating a closer contest between the two teams.
Injuries and Suspensions
Napoli will be without Jens Cajuste due to suspension, but other key players are expected to be available. Cagliari will welcome back Antoine Makoumbou following his suspension.
Betting Tips and Predictions
Betting predictions suggest a win for Napoli, with the game expected to see over 2.5 goals. Tips also favor Napoli to score first and suggest Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as a potential scorer.
Match Prediction
Considering both teams' recent form and historical records, a prediction for this match could be a 3-1 win in favor of Napoli. Napoli's home advantage and attacking prowess, despite their inconsistent form, give them an edge over Cagliari.
Time and Where to watch
The match time is 6pm WAT and for Nigerian viewers, it's best to check local sports channels for live coverage closer to the match, like SuperSports