Sassuolo finds themselves in a precarious position as they prepare to face Napoli in the Serie A. With a string of disappointing results, including five defeats in their last six matches, Sassuolo sits in the relegation zone on goal difference. The team’s lackluster performance and leaky defense have led to their downfall, conceding three goals in their last two games alone.
Their recent home record does not inspire confidence either, with just one victory in their last nine league encounters. If Sassuolo wants to secure their place in Italy’s top tier for the twelfth consecutive season, they must improve their home form and tighten up their defense.
On the other hand, Napoli comes into this fixture with a ray of hope. They have been prolific against Sassuolo in recent years, scoring 19 goals in their last six head-to-head matches and securing four successive victories. A fifth win in a row would be a significant boost for Napoli, who have struggled away from home and are without a victory on the road since late November.
However, a draw seems to be a recurring theme for Napoli, as they have shared the points in five of their last seven trips to play Sassuolo. This trend may continue, especially considering Napoli’s recent run of three consecutive 1-1 draws in all competitions.
The appointment of Francesco Calzona as Napoli’s fourth manager since June last year brings renewed hope for the team. Despite a disappointing draw in his first league outing, Calzona aims to secure his first win and propel Napoli back into contention for a European place.
When it comes to players to watch, Andrea Pinamonti stands out for Sassuolo. The striker has been instrumental in his team’s goal-scoring efforts, opening the scoring in seven matches this season. Pinamonti’s last four goals have all come at home, making him a key figure in Sassuolo’s attacking strategy.
For Napoli, Victor Osimhen is the man to watch. The forward has been in fine form, targeting a third successive scoring appearance. Whenever Osimhen finds the back of the net, Napoli’s chances of success increase significantly. In fact, the team has lost only three times in his Napoli career when he has scored.
One interesting statistic to note is that there has been a first-half goal in just one of Napoli’s last seven games. This suggests that the team tends to start slowly and may take some time to find their rhythm.
In conclusion, the upcoming clash between Sassuolo and Napoli promises to be a battle between two struggling giants. While Sassuolo aims to improve their home form and tighten up their defense, Napoli seeks to break their away winless streak and secure a much-needed victory. With both teams hungry for points, this match could very well end in a draw, considering Napoli’s recent history against Sassuolo. However, the outcome remains uncertain, and the players to watch will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining the final result.