Coppa Italia holders Napoli continue their defense this week against a surprise package in Serie B Spezia. The match schedules for Thursday at Stadio Diego Maradona, with kickoff at 11 pm.
After suffering two losses in the buildup to this match, Partenopei takes on Vincenzo Italiano’s side in the quarter-finals. The visitors have a different mindset while looking to make it a cup victory for their first time.
It was a bad taste in Gatusso’s men as the side fell short to Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana. Their loss took to the team for their trip to Verona last weekend in a reeling 3-1 defeat. Their form continues slowing down and is currently sixth on the table in the tightly-packed top half of the table. However, the side might cherish having a game in hand over most sides around them.
Gattuso came under heavy scrutiny from fans over the lack of impressive displays in their loss to Juventus. The side continues their search for rhythm with Gatuss’s contract expiring in the summer without talk of an extension.
Spezia came from two meetings with Roma in the space of four days to determine who meets Napoli in the Coppa quarters and the 19th round of Serie A. Their extra time 4-2 triumphant win in the cup followed with a disheartening 4-3 defeat in Serie A.
Napoli vs. Spezia Had to Head
Both sides have three games against each other, with Napoli takes home two wins while Spezia has one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Hellas Verona 3-1 Napoli
Juventus 2-0 Napoli
Napoli 6-0 Fiorentina
Napoli 3-2 Empoli
Udinese 1-2 Napoli
Away
Roma 4-3 Spezia
Roma 0-3 Spezia
Torino 0-0 Spezia
Spezia 2-1 Sampdoria
Napoli 1-2 Spezia
Napoli Team News
Despite a busy schedule ahead with jam-packed fixtures, we expect Gatusso to field a strong starting XI. Fabian Ruiz is unavailable due to Covid-19. However, there is a splash of attacking options, including Dries Mertens and Victor Osimhen. Both Mario Rui and Kostas Manalos are keen to start at the heart of the defense.
Spezia Team News
There is less likely to be a lot of rotation like in their last round time round. Lithuanian goalkeeper Titas Krapikas will start between the sticks in place of the first choice Ivan Provedel. In midfield, Matteo Ricci came off self-isolation to replace loanee Lucien Agoume.
Prediction and Odds
It is a tough call than what looks on paper; however, Napoli has much more to lose in case of a loss.
Napoli Win
Goals Under 2.5
Away: No Score
