Preview - Napoli vs Sassuolo 08 October 18

[Harry85]

Match Day 8
Napoli vs Sassuolo
Monday, October 8th, 2018
01:00am (GMT+8 Timing)
Stadium: Stadio San Paolo

Napoli:   
Last five matches form:  L W W W L
Average goals per match: 1.86
Average goals against per match: 1.43
Top Scorer: Lorenzo Insigne (5)

Sassuolo:
Last five matches form: W L W W L
Average goals per match: 2.14
Average goals against per match: 1.71
Top Scorer: Kevin Prince Boateng (3)

Runners up last season, Napoli may have endured a number of significant changes over the summer but haven't let that put them off their stride too much, and have already established themselves as the team most likely to challenge defending champions Juventus. Next up it's this home game versus Sassuolo.

Napoli's winning run came to an end last weekend as they were put in their place against Juventus. They certainly rebounded in good style in midweek in the Champions' League though when overcoming Liverpool at home in what was an impressive performance.

Sassuolo also had a disappointing result in Serie A last weekend when slumping to a heavy defeat at home to AC Milan. They still sit fifth in the league though having had a positive start overall and will be looking to bounce back with a positive result in this one.

Napoli won this fixture 3-1 last season with the reverse game in Sassuolo ending in a 1-1 draw.

Sassoulo look to hold the edge when it comes to injuries and suspensions, with only Federico Peluso missing. Napoli must do without the injured Vlad Chiriches, Amin Younes and Alex Meret in addition to the suspended Mário Rui.

There are a few factors in favour of the visitors here, namely a slightly fitter squad and not having had a game in midweek. Napoli were so impressive against Jurgen Klopp's men though that we can't oppose them here.






Prediction: Napoli 2 - 1 Sassuolo

[Harry85]

Half time: 1 - 0
Full time: 2 - 0
Shots:  12 - 10
Shots on target: 7 - 7
Corner Kicks: 4 - 4
Possession: 48% - 52%

Amadou Diawara and Kalidou Koulibaly were booked for the home side in this one, with referee Marco Di Bello also taking the names of Manuel Locatelli and Andrea Consigli who additionally had Rogerio shown the straight red card in the 87th minute.

Almost dead even on the stats as Sassuolo largely played with credit throughout. As ever it comes down to taking your chances in this game. Sassuolo didn't take theirs, Napoli did, and there lay the difference.

On a high from their midweek win over Liverpool, Napoli carried that good feeling into this game and took the lead in just the third minute. Adam Ounas latching on to a defensive error to intercept the ball on his chest, control the ball over the head of one defender before lashing home on the volley from twelve yards as the ball dropped onto his left foot. Fine strike.

Dries Mertens should have doubled the advantage before half time but got his finish badly wrong when well placed in the right-hand side of the area.

Sassuolo were keeping Lazio keeper David Ospina up to his work, but mainly through efforts from range. Then in the 72nd minute Lorenzo Insigne showed them how its done. Picking up the ball just outside the area to the left-hand side, the in form forward curled a beauty into the top right corner. 2-0 final score.

Napoli remain in second place - where they finished up last season  - as they bid to at least keep tabs on Juventus who are threatening to run away with things. Sassuolo's hot start seems to have cooled off a little now and they slip down to eighth.