Parma vs Napoli

The stakes are high for relegation-threatened Parma and Serie A pacesetters Napoli as they lock horns at Stadio Ennio Tardini.

Conceding a late goal in a 2-1 defeat at fellow relegation rivals Empoli compromised Parma’s chances of securing Serie A survival. Cristian Chivu’s men head into proceedings frantically looking over their shoulders after a three-game winless streak (D1, L2) left them four points clear of 18th-placed Lecce. That means an unlikely win against Napoli would seal the deal for the Crusaders, but that’s easier said than done. They’ve emerged victorious from just one of their last ten league matches (D6, L3), including a stunning 2-2 draw against reigning holders Inter Milan at this stadium. Furthermore, Parma slumped to a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat in August’s reverse fixture, extending their losing run against Napoli to three games. 

Though the visitors have never won four consecutive H2Hs in their top-flight history, now’s the perfect time for Napoli to reach this unprecedented feat. Last weekend’s 2-2 home draw against bottom-half Genoa blew the Scudetto race wide open, allowing second-placed Inter to close the gap to a single point. Seeking their second Serie A title in three years, Napoli can draw heart from avoiding defeat in their last ten league outings (W6, D4) as they aim to hold up their end of the bargain here. There’s a note of caution for Antonio Conte’s charges, as they’ve failed to win both away league clashes against newly promoted clubs this season (D1, L1), netting just once! Nonetheless, the visitors boast a superb record against teams starting the round in the bottom five (W8, D1).