Category: Napoli

Napoli vs. Genoa Predictions & Betting Tips

May 11, 2022

The Partenopei are looking to lock in a top-three finish this weekend as we pick out our Napoli vs. Genoa predictions for this game. The Grifone did their weekend opponents a favour by beating Juventus in their last game, but are unlikely to repeat the feat on Sunday.

Napoli vs. Genoa odds

1 – Napoli to win – 8/11

2 – Napoli to keep a clean sheet – 13/8

3 – Under 2.5 goals scored – 11/10

4 – Osimhen to score anytime – 13/10

5 – Napoli to score a penalty – 7/2

Napoli host Genoa at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday afternoon over the penultimate Serie A weekend of the season. A shock comeback win at the death for the Rossoblu last weekend against Juventus means that a win for the Partenopei would guarantee that they finish above the Old Lady. 

The situation is more precarious for Alexander Blessin’s side, who sit second from bottom in the Serie A table. All it not lost for Genoa however, thanks to two wins out of their last three games. Should the Grifone win at least one of their last two games they could still have a chance of surviving the drop. 

This is likely to make Sunday’s match a far trickier task than expected for the hosts, who would have been hoping their opponents’ fate to be a forgone conclusion. That said, Napoli’s strength on paper means that they remain our tip to take an all-important three points this weekend. 

Despite putting two past Juventus the other week, Genoa’s downfall has largely been down to their underperforming front line. Mattia Destro may have enjoyed a purple patch, but is now without a goal in eight games, while the Rossoblu have scored five fewer than any other team in Serie A. As a result, a bet on Napoli to secure a clean sheet against the Grifone is promising. 

Napoli’s front line have been inconsistent themselves, putting six past Sassuolo one week before struggling to break down a resolute Torino side last weekend. Given that three of Genoa’s last four games have seen under 2.5 goals scored, a punt on another low-scoring match at the Stadio Maradona may be a winner. 

The responsibility for breaking the visitors’ defence lies with Victor Osimhen, who has bagged 13 goals for Napoli already this season. The Nigerian is favourite to score anytime and open his goalscoring account against the Grifone. 

While Osimhen looks likely to finish as the Azzurri’s top scorer, Napoli’s effectiveness at winning penalties has ensured that Lorenzo Insigne ends his Serie A career with double figures this season. The hosts have received more penalties than any other side this season and have good odds to score another on Sunday. 

How to stream Napoli vs. Genoa

Sign up to bet365 to stream Napoli vs. Genoa live this weekend, which you can do with a funded account or by placing a bet within 24 hours of the match. An ExpressVPN account can also allow international viewers to tune in from across the world. To sign up and claim three months free: 

  • Head to expressvpn.com
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Napoli vs. Genoa last five matches

Napoli last five matches

Genoa last five matches

Napoli top goalscorers

Genoa top goalscorers

Napoli vs. Genoa line-ups

Napoli (4-2-3-1): Ospina; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Koulibaly, Rui; Ruiz, Anguissa; Lozano, Mertens, Insigne; Osimhen.

Genoa (4-2-3-1): Sirigu; Hefti, Ostigard, Bani, Criscito; Galdames, Bedelj; Melegoni, Amiri, Portanova; Destro.

Napoli team news

Luciano Spalletti has his full squad available for Sunday’s match and is unlikely to make any major changes to his starting XI. The manager has been using Dries Mertens as a number 10 in recent weeks and may do so again here, meaning Matteo Politano and Hirving Lozano will battle it out for the right-wing slot. 

Genoa team news

Roberto Piccoli and Zinho Vandheusden are Genoa’s only injury doubts, with Alexander Bellin likely to name the XI that started in the win over Juventus. Having scored the winning goal, Albert Gudmundsson may be given the nod over Destro, with no further changes anticipated. 

ADL meets Napoli star Fabian in bid to ward off Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal

May 11, 2022

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis met Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal target Fabian Ruiz on Monday night, offering him a new contract.

The Spain international sees his current deal expire in June 2023 and the Partenopei will be forced to sell him in the summer if the player refuses to extend his stay at the Stadio Maradona.

Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona are keen on the 26-year-old, who had claimed in February that he’d be happy to return to Spain one day. Il Mattino confirms that Carlo Ancelotti is willing to reunite with the Spaniard at the Estadio Bernabeu.

Fabian Ruiz opens door to Barcelona, Real Madrid move and makes Messi admission

Napoli’s hopes to extend with their star seemed over only a few weeks ago, but De Laurentiis hasn’t given up, according to Il Corriere dello Sport. The Napoli chairman reportedly met Fabian after a team dinner on Monday night, offering him a new €3.5m-a-year contract until 2027.

The Spaniard is on a €1.5m-a-year deal at the Stadio Maradona and despite their need to balance the books, Napoli are willing to offer their star a pay rise, given that they will cut their wage bill with the departures of Faouzi Ghoulam, Lorenzo Insigne and, perhaps David Ospina and Kevin Malcuit.

De Laurentiis places trust in ‘formidable’ Spalletti

May 9, 2022

Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed his intention to keep Luciano Spalletti on as Napoli coach despite the team’s failed title challenge this season.

The Partenopei looked to be serious contenders for the Serie A title this season alongside Inter and Milan but they disappointingly fell away as the season started to draw to a close, leaving the two Milanese clubs to duel for the Scudetto. Frustratingly for the fans, Napoli won their last two games back to back, six points that came too late in their league title push.

Speaking at a ceremony unveiling a miniature of a Diego Armando Maradona statue, De Laurentiis discussed the future of coach Spalletti.

“The coach is an employee of the highest level, I did not take him here to make bubù-settete, I took him because he was Mr. Spalletti. He has a contract and I have always said it was a 2-year contract with an option in my favour for the third. Spalletti is staying here.”

He then discussed if Spalletti has made himself at home in the Campania capital.

“No. He’s the one who has to feel that Partenope is in his head and in his soul, if it’s dyed blue, he can’t do without it. Let him work and acclimatise.

“I didn’t give interviews for eight months, I needed to get to know the coach and the man. And in my opinion the coach is formidable and the man is serious, two things that make me say that this time too I have hit the mark.”

Finally, De Laurentiis discussed the need to move his film production company to Naples.

“I’ve understood something very simple: I have to move Filmauro to Naples. At least three times a week I have to be in Castel Volturno to deal with various problems because these guys have wives, families, children.

“Spalletti himself has two grown-up children, but also a 10-year-old girl and a wife who live in Milan. It’s not an easy situation, they are not puppets but people with problems, feelings and families.”

Spalletti’s work was enough to qualify Napoli for the Champions League, giving them vital funds ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

Insigne prepares for mixed Napoli farewell

May 8, 2022

In seven days time, Lorenzo Insigne will play in front of the Napoli faithful at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for the final time, a fact that has fans divided in their reaction.

The 30-year-old Italian winger has not had a particularly simple season following last summer’s Euro 2020 victory and the announcement that he’ll be joining MLS side Toronto FC in January certainly upset the Partenopei fans, who were upset to lose their talisman following a contract disagreement with president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Insigne has failed to impress on the pitch this season for Napoli and he missed a penalty in yesterday’s 1-0 win over Torino, another example of his inconsistent form. Whilst the club are preparing to celebrate the Italian winger’s final home game, the fans are much more divided, with some ready to finally say goodbye after a forgettable year.

The Napoli captain made his debut for the first team on January 24 2010 and now, 12 and a half years later, he’s preparing to wave goodbye to the home fans, ready for a new adventure across the Atlantic.

Insigne prepares for mixed Napoli farewell

May 8, 2022

In seven days time, Lorenzo Insigne will play in front of the Napoli faithful at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for the final time, a fact that has fans divided in their reaction.

The 30-year-old Italian winger has not had a particularly simple season following last summer’s Euro 2020 victory and the announcement that he’ll be joining MLS side Toronto FC in January certainly upset the Partenopei fans, who were upset to lose their talisman following a contract disagreement with president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Insigne has failed to impress on the pitch this season for Napoli and he missed a penalty in yesterday’s 1-0 win over Torino, another example of his inconsistent form. Whilst the club are preparing to celebrate the Italian winger’s final home game, the fans are much more divided, with some ready to finally say goodbye after a forgettable year.

The Napoli captain made his debut for the first team on January 24 2010 and now, 12 and a half years later, he’s preparing to wave goodbye to the home fans, ready for a new adventure across the Atlantic.

Ruiz strike sinks Torino to strengthen Napoli's Champions League position

May 7, 2022

Fabian Ruiz’s strike 17 minutes from time secured victory for Napoli at Torino and most likely third place in this year’s Serie A.

In a poor first half the only real chance came when Torino striker Andrea Belotti’s clever backheel was denied by a fantastic stop from David Ospina, scrambling across his line and clawing the ball to safety.

Just after the hour mark it seemed like the visitors would go in front when, after Dries Martens was brought down in the box, Lorenzo Insigne shot firmly from the spot but Etrit Berisha dived full-length to his right to paw away.

Serie A

Serie A round-up: Napoli crush Sassuolo to keep title hopes alive

30/04/2022 AT 16:56

Twelve minutes later the game was settled when the ball fell to Ruiz 25 yards from goal and he danced away from two defenders before firing a shot firm and low which squirmed between the legs of the Torino stopper.

Napoli now lie four points ahead of fourth-place Juventus with two games remaining.

TALKING POINT – Where next for Napoli?

Though they have secured the initial objective of the season, to play Champions League football, it appears unlikely they will be able to build on this to get closer to the Scudetto next term. With Lorenzo Insigne going to Toronto FC, Dries Mertens unlikely to be offered a new contract at 35, and – most seriously of all – talk Kalidou Koulibaly could be on his way to the Nou Camp, there is an end-of-an-era feel to this team. Up-and-coming players Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Mathias Olivera and Brighton centre back Leo Ostigard are likely to move to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in the summer, but the Neapolitan side need to be looking at bigger-name recruitment if they are going to be more than making up the numbers in the Champions League and a realistic chance to emulate this year’s Serie A finish.

MAN OF THE MATCH –

Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)

It was not a game of star performances from either side but the defender probably edges both ‘keepers to the award. The colossal defender will probably go down as one of the best to ever wear the light blue shirt and playing the game with his usual no-nonsense efficiency, he prevented Torino from taking advantage of some strong periods of play, especially in the first half. He is worth about ten points a season to this team.

PLAYER RATINGS

Torino: Berisha 7; Izzo 6, Bremer 6, Rodríguez; Singo 6, Ricci 6, Mandragora 7, Vojvoda 7; Praet 6, Brekalo 7; Belotti 7.

Subs:Ansaldi 6, Linetty 6, Pobega 5, Djidji 6, Pellegri 6.

Napoli: Ospina 7; Di Lorenzo 7, Rrahmani 6, Koulibaly 8, Mario Rui 7; Anguissa 7, Fabian Ruiz 7; Lozano 6, Mertens 7, Insigne 6; Osimhen 7.

Subs: Zielinski 6, Politano 6, Lobotka 6, Elmas 6, Petagna 6.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

8′ BRILLIANT SAVE FROM OSPINA Belotti met a cross from the left flank with a back flicked header which was bound for the bottom left corner but Ospina dived at full stretch and clawed it from the line.

59′ PENALTY FOR NAPOLI! Osimhen controlled a long ball into the box then backheeled to Mertens who was brought down by Izzo.

61′ PENALTY SAVED! Great save from Berisha. Insigne struck it well to the ‘keeper’s right but he dived at full stretch and pushed it away.

73′ GOAL FOR NAPOLI! Fine goal from Fabian. He took advantage of Podega’s blunder and took on two defenders before hitting a low effort that went through the legs of Berisha.

KEY STAT

  • 14 – Napoli have gone 14 games without defeat against Torino.

Serie A

Empoli score three late goals in seven minutes to stun Napoli

24/04/2022 AT 12:04

Serie A

El Shaarawy derails Napoli Serie A hopes as Roma cling to Champions League pursuit

18/04/2022 AT 16:17

Torino v Napoli – LIVE

May 7, 2022

Follow the Serie A live Football match between Torino and Napoli with Eurosport. The match starts at 2:00 PM on May 7th, 2022.

Catch the latest Torino and Napoli news and find up to date Serie A standings, results, top scorers and previous winners.

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Ruiz strike sinks Torino to strengthen Napoli's Champions League position

May 7, 2022

Fabian Ruiz’s strike 17 minutes from time secured victory for Napoli at Torino and most likely third place in this year’s Serie A.

In a poor first half the only real chance came when Torino striker Andrea Belotti’s clever backheel was denied by a fantastic stop from David Ospina, scrambling across his line and clawing the ball to safety.

Just after the hour mark it seemed like the visitors would go in front when, after Dries Martens was brought down in the box, Lorenzo Insigne shot firmly from the spot but Etrit Berisha dived full-length to his right to paw away.

Serie A

Serie A round-up: Napoli crush Sassuolo to keep title hopes alive

30/04/2022 AT 16:56

Twelve minutes later the game was settled when the ball fell to Ruiz 25 yards from goal and he danced away from two defenders before firing a shot firm and low which squirmed between the legs of the Torino stopper.

Napoli now lie four points ahead of fourth-place Juventus with two games remaining.

TALKING POINT – Where next for Napoli?

Though they have secured the initial objective of the season, to play Champions League football, it appears unlikely they will be able to build on this to get closer to the Scudetto next term. With Lorenzo Insigne going to Toronto FC, Dries Mertens unlikely to be offered a new contract at 35, and – most seriously of all – talk Kalidou Koulibaly could be on his way to the Nou Camp, there is an end-of-an-era feel to this team. Up-and-coming players Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Mathias Olivera and Brighton centre back Leo Ostigard are likely to move to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in the summer, but the Neapolitan side need to be looking at bigger-name recruitment if they are going to be more than making up the numbers in the Champions League and a realistic chance to emulate this year’s Serie A finish.

MAN OF THE MATCH –

Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)

It was not a game of star performances from either side but the defender probably edges both ‘keepers to the award. The colossal defender will probably go down as one of the best to ever wear the light blue shirt and playing the game with his usual no-nonsense efficiency, he prevented Torino from taking advantage of some strong periods of play, especially in the first half. He is worth about ten points a season to this team.

PLAYER RATINGS

Torino: Berisha 7; Izzo 6, Bremer 6, Rodríguez; Singo 6, Ricci 6, Mandragora 7, Vojvoda 7; Praet 6, Brekalo 7; Belotti 7.

Subs:Ansaldi 6, Linetty 6, Pobega 5, Djidji 6, Pellegri 6.

Napoli: Ospina 7; Di Lorenzo 7, Rrahmani 6, Koulibaly 8, Mario Rui 7; Anguissa 7, Fabian Ruiz 7; Lozano 6, Mertens 7, Insigne 6; Osimhen 7.

Subs: Zielinski 6, Politano 6, Lobotka 6, Elmas 6, Petagna 6.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

8′ BRILLIANT SAVE FROM OSPINA Belotti met a cross from the left flank with a back flicked header which was bound for the bottom left corner but Ospina dived at full stretch and clawed it from the line.

59′ PENALTY FOR NAPOLI! Osimhen controlled a long ball into the box then backheeled to Mertens who was brought down by Izzo.

61′ PENALTY SAVED! Great save from Berisha. Insigne struck it well to the ‘keeper’s right but he dived at full stretch and pushed it away.

73′ GOAL FOR NAPOLI! Fine goal from Fabian. He took advantage of Podega’s blunder and took on two defenders before hitting a low effort that went through the legs of Berisha.

KEY STAT

  • 14 – Napoli have gone 14 games without defeat against Torino.

Serie A

Empoli score three late goals in seven minutes to stun Napoli

24/04/2022 AT 12:04

Serie A

El Shaarawy derails Napoli Serie A hopes as Roma cling to Champions League pursuit

18/04/2022 AT 16:17

Probable Serie A line-ups: Torino-Napoli, Sassuolo-Udinese and Lazio-Samp

May 7, 2022

Check out the probable line-ups for today’s three Serie A games: Torino vs. Napoli, Sassuolo vs. Udinese and Lazio vs. Sampdoria.

We begin at 14.00 UK time at the Stadio Grande Torino, where Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli visit the Granata, who are unbeaten in six Serie A games. It’s the longest unbeaten streak after Milan‘s. Napoli have already secured a top-four finish and could stretch their lead over fourth-placed Juventus, who lost 2-1 against Genoa yesterday.

Sassuolo host Udinese at the Mapei Stadium at 17.00 UK time. Sassuolo haven’t won against the Friulani in the last seven games, while Udinese are the most prolific team in Serie A since the start of April with 18 goals scored. Udinese have won the last two Serie A games against Sassuolo and have never made it three in a row against the Neroverdi in history.

The last game of the day is in Rome and sees Lazio host Sampdoria at the Olimpico (19.45 UK time). Lazio haven’t lost two home Serie A games in a row since December 2020, while Samp haven’t beaten the Biancocelesti away since January 2005.

Probable Serie A line-ups

Torino vs. Napoli

Torino (3-4-2-1): Berisha; Izzo, Bremer, Rodriguez; Singo, Ricci, Pobega, Vojvoda; Praet, Brekalo; Belotti.

Napoli (4-2-3-1): Ospina; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Koulibaly, Mario Rui; Anguissa, Fabian Ruiz; Lozano, Mertens, Insigne; Osimhen.

Sassuolo vs. Udinese

Sassuolo (4-2-3-1): Consigli; Muldur, Chiriches, Ferrari, Kykaiakopoulos; Lopez, Frattesi; Berardi, Raspadori, Traore; Scamacca.

Udinese (3-5-2): Silvestri; Becao, Marì, Perez; Molina, Pereyra, Walace, Makengo, Udogie; Deulofeu, Pussetto.

Lazio vs. Sampdoria

Lazio (4-3-3): Strakosha; Lazzari, Patric, Acerbi, Marusic; Milinkovic-Savic, Leiva, Luis Alberto; Anderson, Immobile, Zaccagni.

Samp (4-1-4-1): Audero; Bereszynski, Ferrari, Colley, Augello; Ekdal; Candreva, Rincon, Thorsby, Sabiri; Caputo.

Hamsik: ‘Insigne and I have a similar story at Napoli’

May 6, 2022

Napoli legend Marek Hamsik sees similarities between his and Lorenzo Insigne’s farewell to the club and confirms he snubbed moves to Juventus, Milan and Inter.

Hamsik left Napoli in February 2019 after becoming the player with the most appearances and goals across all competitions. His contract at the club would have expired in 2020.

“It was a huge love story. I have many friends at the club. I talk to Aurelio De Laurentiis when I can, who has always shown me his affection. I am in touch with Maurizio Micheli, Napoli’s chief scout. I owe him a lot. He is the one who brought me to Italy [at Brescia] for the first time,” he told Il Corriere dello Sport.

Hamsik didn’t have a proper farewell game before leaving the club and sees similarities between his farewell and Lorenzo Insigne’s. The Italy international will join Toronto as a free agent in June.

“Lorenzo’s history is very similar to mine. Everything happened very quickly, the season was ongoing when I left,” said Hamsik.

“However, it’s never too late to meet again, perhaps we could organise a game at the San Paolo [Stadio Maradona now]. If they want me to return with a role at the club after the end of my career, I’d be ready.

“I didn’t forget anything. The Coppa Italia, the Supercups, emotions, memories. A Serie A title would have been deserved, we were really close.”

Massimiliano Allegri wanted to sign Hamsik at Milan and Juventus, while Walter Mazzarri tried to bring him to Inter, but Hamsik never thought about leaving Naples.

“Now I can say that I was proud to attract interest from an important coach such as Allegri,” he said.

“I never talked to him directly, but I know he considered me worthy of playing with him and that he would be pleased [to have me in his teams].”

“Inter? I can’t deny it, but I never thought about leaving Napoli. I could have never done it.”

Hamsik