Serie A: Inconsistent Napoli and Lazio make for intriguing match-up
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The past two seasons have seen Napoli and Lazio thrown together seven times across all competitions, with three of those fixtures each producing six goals. So, as both teams have made wildly inconsistent starts to their respective campaigns, and with only one of those seven recent encounters resulting in a draw, odds of 23/10 for another appear unlikely.
New manager of the Naples giants Maurizio Sarri has struggled since taking over from Rafa Benitez in the summer, failing to claim victory in any of his three Serie A outings at the helm so far.
A timely Europa League drubbing of Club Brugge may have given the Little Donkey’s a lift to go toe-to-toe with their Roman foes, and Sarri is 17/20 to secure a first domestic win.
Lazio are also in need of a result, however and, given that the Eagles’ attacking intent saw the Italian capital club claim a 4-2 triumph at the Stadio San Paolo last season, they are a much more enticing price of 16/5 to take all three points, or at 7/1 to score three or more again.
Eagles attackers Antonio Candreva and Ricardo Kishna are both an excellent 13/5 shout in the anytime market, with fellow threat Felipe Anderson a superb 3/1 to expose Napoli’s haphazard rearguard. Meanwhile, AC Milan-owned marksman Alessandro Matri bagged a brace last time out in the league and is 15/2 to impress his loan club once more by nabbing the opener.
Despite defensive woes, though, the Little Donkeys are still dangerous up top, which should make for a thrilling clash in Campania.
Goal-hungry Gonzalo Higuain in particular seems to enjoy playing Lazio, as the predator ha poached five in his last six against the Eternal City outfit, including a consolation brace in the previous battle. So, back the South American sharpshooter at 4/1 to snatch the opener, or 5/1 to equal or better his last outing against the Eagles, by sinking a double or more.
In Napoli’s midweek rout of Club Brugge, the Neapolitan’s netted five, with midfield schemers Jose Callejon (9/5 to net anytime), Marek Hamsik (2/1) and Dries Mertens (also 9/5) all chipping in to make the southern Italian side a potent force.
Betting tip: Lazio are a generous 16/5 price to win again in Naples
