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Kick off: 18.10.2015 @15:00
Venue: Stadio San Paolo
Head to head record
Napoli vs Fiorentina 3-0 (Serie A)
Fiorentina vs Napoli 0-1 (Serie A)
Fiorentina vs Napoli 1-3 (Coppa Italia)
Napoli vs Fiorentina 0-1 (Serie A)
Fiorentina vs Napoli 1-2 (Serie A)
Napoli vs Fiorentina prediction
One of the two derby matches of round eight in Serie A will be played at Stadio San Paolo on Sunday when the home side Napoli lock horns with table-topping Fiorentina, who have been the biggest surprise of the season so far.
Napoli looking to reignite title chase
Buoyed by their comprehensive 4-0 win over Milan before the international break, the Azzurri will lack no motivation coming into the derby game against the Serie A leaders Fiorentina. Napoli are currently sitting in sixth in the standings with 12 points on their tally, six points shy of their rivals and the potential win over Fiorentina on Sunday could reignite the title chase. Partenopei are enjoying a fine run of results and are currently on an eight-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. Maurizio Sarri’s charges have had an early wakeup call in the opening round against Sassuolo when they suffered a 2-1 defeat, but then went on to record the total of five wins and three draws. Napoli have also been enjoying a goalscoring spree with two of their players topping the charts. Gonzalo Higuain has been particularly impressive having bagged five so far, while Lorenzo Insigne is one short on his tally. Insigne will be especially motivated to repeat his previous exploits against Fiorentina, most of all the 2013-14 Coppa Italia final when he scored a brace and singlehandedly helped his team to win a trophy. Along with the fantastic attacking potential, Napoli boast great defence record with Pepe Reina’s goal being breached only once in last four games and seven times so far this term, with six of those being conceded in the first three games of the season.
Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri will have full crop of players to choose from for the derby game, one more reason for Napoli fans to believe their players will give their best to continue their fine form.
History in the making
Viola fans are ecstatic about their team’s performances and results alike, as Fiorentina are top of the league for the first time in 16 years. Paulo Sousa’s men have shown great determination this term and their confidence is getting higher with every win they record. Fiorentina have collected 18 points from seven games, and their only league defeat so far came at the hands of Torino in the second round of Serie A. Viola have indeed succumbed to another defeat to Iraklis in Europa League, but Sousa’s boys are having their minds fully set on writing some more history in domestic competition which is their prime aim this season. Similarly to Napoli, Fiorentina have also been great upfront. Striker Nikola Kalinic has been particularly impressive having bagged four goals until now, taking the Serie A by storm. Fans and pundits have been impressed with the Croat’s performances and former Dnipro player has been the key to Viola’s fine results in the league. This 27-year-old was aided by another Balkan boy, Josip Ilicic, who netted three and Khouma Babacar who scored two. At the same time, Viola’s backline has done a magnificent job keeping the opposing strikers at bay, allowing only four goals in seven games this season.
Paulo Sousa will have his full squad to choose from as well, with the exception of Gilberto who is the only one on the injury list. Giuseppe Rossi has recovered and he will be waiting for his chance from the bench.
Napoli vs Fiorentina betting tip
The hosts are currently on the longest unbeaten run of the league, with six straight games without defeat and will be looking to keep it that way past Sunday. Partenopei have beaten Fiorentina in four of their last five meetings, but the resurgent Viola are different team this season and will prove to be the force to be reckoned with and will not come to San Polo carrying the white flag. Excellent striking forces of both sides guarantee a scintillating affair with goals on both sides.
Tip: Both teams to score
Odds: 1.83 (5/6) @10Bet
