Parma vs Napoli Preview

Napoli visit Parma on Sunday in the knowledge that a win there could be enough to earn them their second Serie A title in three years, provided that challengers Inter Milan slip up in the home game against Lazio.

It has been a stellar season for Antonio Conte’s men - they haven’t been the most electric in attack, bit a titanium defensive line has laid the foundations for a successful season, and now they are just two wins away from Scudetto glory.

For Parma, this match carries different importance. Sitting 16th, they know that a win here will guarantee them Serie A football next season. Even if they lose, their safety could still be confirmed if Lecce and Empoli both fail to win their games.

As an important game at both ends of the table approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Where to Watch

This game will be broadcasted on TNT Sports 2, with kick-off scheduled for 19:45 GMT on Sunday.

Key Statistics

• Parma are the top scorers in the bottom half of the table, netting 41 league goals in all, two more than 11th placed Torino.
• However, this has translated into just six wins across the season with just one of those coming since the start of March.
• Meanwhile, Napoli boast the meanest defensive record in the league, conceding just 27 goals in their 36 games so far.
• Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku leads the Serie A for assists, of which he has 10. He also sits fifth in the goal standing, showing his well-rounded game.

Parma Preview

Parma Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Zion Suzuki (GK); Botond Balogh, Giovanni Leoni, Enrico Del Prato; Emanuele Valeri, Mandela Keita, Simon Sohm, Antoine Hainaut; Jacob Ondrejka, Ange-Yoan Bonny; Mateo Pellegrino.

It’s a tall ask for Parma to win this game. Napoli have shown no let up against lower mid-table sides this season, and with relegation rivals Venezia, Empoli and Lecce all playing bottom half sides, the final relegation places look set to be decided between four different teams on the final day.

And it doesn’t get easier for Parma either - they play third placed Atalanta in the final game, the toughest opponent for any of those four sides. Their remaining fixtures make them favourites to go down, despite being two places and three points clear of the relegation zone.

They have shown great character in recent games - they picked up points against Lazio, Fiorentina and Inter Milan since the start of April, and a vital win at home to Juventus. But Napoli are a different beast, and I just can’t see them taking three points here.

Napoli Preview

Napoli Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Alex Meret (GK); Leonardo Spinazzola, Mathias Olivera, Amir Rrahmani, Giovanni Di Lorenzo; Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Franck Zambo Anguissa, Matteo Politano; Giacomo Raspadori, Romelu Lukaku.

The famed Scudetto trophy is now tantalisingly within reach for Napoli. In his debut season at Napoli, Antonio Conte is just six points away from securing the fifth Serie A title of his career, and Napoli’s second since 1990.

His team isn’t flashy - his side plays controlled football which limits mistakes, and they rely heavily on their defence doing the dirty work for most of the game, making tackles, getting blocks in, and clearing the ball into row z.

But in transition, they are second to none. An unrecognisable Scott McTominay, a tempo-dictating Billy Gilmour, and pacey wingers David Nerez and Politano ensure that any side caught short in defence is roundly punished, and it is an art that Antonio Conte has taught his side to perfect.

Parma vs Napoli Head to Head

Recent Meetings:

• 31/08/2024: Napoli 2-1 Parma.
• 31/01/2021: Napoli 2-0 Parma.
• 20/09/2020: Parma 0-2 Napoli.
• 22/07/2020: Parma 2-1 Napoli.
• 14/12/2019: Napoli 1-2 Parma.

Parma vs Napoli Betting Tip

Clearly, both sides desperately need all three points here, and when one side's need is as great as their opponent’s, the higher ranked side usually comes out on top thanks to their additional quality.

Parma are a stubborn defensive unit, and have the ability to sit back and make things difficult to give them a chance of a point. But in the form Napoli are in, and with the title so close they can taste it, they should battle their way through here.

We recommend backing Napoli to lead at half time.

Parma vs Napoli Prediction

Parma 1-2 Napoli

Parma will make this one interesting with a goal, but thanks to Napoli’s excellent defensive record, they won’t net more than one, and Conte’s side will hit back with two of their own to go one win away from the title.