January 12, 2025. 9:45 p.m. Naples. Diego Maradona Stadium
Serie A, Matchday 20
Injured: Bonjorno – Freze, Haroui
Suspensions : Serdar, Tchatchoua (both – Verona)
Napoli vs Verona: Odds
Napoli
Taking full advantage of Atalanta’s trip to Saudi Arabia for the Italian Super Cup, Naples climbed the Serie A ladder last weekend with an impressive victory against Fiorentina (3-0). David Neres opened the scoring in spectacular fashion at the Artemio Franchi Stadium, followed by a Romelu Lukaku penalty and a Scott McTominay goal that sealed the match. Napoli finished the first half of the season with 44 points, their third-best total of the century, and it looks like the team is ready to challenge for the title against Atalanta and reigning champions Inter. With Antonio Conte’s tactical acumen, the Partenopei have recorded the most clean sheets in Europe’s five major leagues this season; 11 games is their best total at this stage of the season since 1986.
Although Napoli have not lost in their last 19 home matches against Verona in Serie A (with 14 wins), the Neapolitans will not take Sunday’s task lightly, given what happened in of Conte’s debut in the league. In the opening match of the season, Verona inflicted a shock defeat on Naples (0-3). If Verona can repeat this success, they will not only move away from the relegation zone, but also achieve their first three consecutive away wins in Serie A since December 1984. That remains easier said than done, however. , because the visitors display the worst defense in Serie A. But we will talk about that in more detail.
Before this match, Naples experienced significant changes – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was tempted by an offer from PSG and decided to move to France. “Kvaratskhelia asked to be sold, and I am very disappointed. I worked with him for six months to make him feel central to the project. I was also told that his contract would be extended. I did not allow its sale last summer, but now I am giving up my position,” said Antonio Conte.
The Neapolitan daily Il Mattino headlined on its front page: “Kvara, what a disappointment! » With the match against Verona, Napoli will begin a new chapter – a chapter without the best player in Serie A for the 2022/23 season.
Vérone
Paolo Zanetti’s men have collected seven points from their last four matches, including 3-2 away wins over sides Emilia, Parma and Bologna, as well as a 0-0 draw against Udinese last weekend. The home draw against Udinese can be credited to the team given the context of the events. In the 71st minute, Hellas defensive midfielder Serdar received a second yellow card, leaving Zanetti’s team to play defensively to hold the score.
“I spoke with president Maurizio Setti, and he congratulated us on the match we played. Is Serdar’s red card the sixth for the team this season? I didn’t replace him because he played well. Some of the previous red cards came because of a bad attitude, but not this one,” noted head coach Paolo Zanetti.
After the match against Udinese, the Verona coach was in mourning – his mother Agnese had died. However, the Hellas boss did not speak to journalists before the Napoli match for this reason. He generally hasn’t communicated with the press before games lately.
Napoli vs Verona: Predicted teams
Napoli vs Verona: Author’s prediction
Imagine how much Naples wants revenge on Verona after this 0-3 defeat in the first round! Especially since this score was far from reflecting the match; Verona scored twice on late counterattacks to make it 1-0. The only thing that could disrupt Conte’s team is the announcement of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s departure. But David Neres, in the same match against Fiorentina, gave the coach the necessary assurances, moreover the club aims to strengthen the team through the transfer market.
By the way, former Napoli midfielder Mirko Valdifiori advised Neapolitans to keep an eye on Verona midfielder Belakhyan.
