Napoli and Juventus will meet up for the second time in less than a month as the Bianconeri head to Southern Italy to take on the side that defeated them in the Supercoppa Italiana just last month.
It has not been the best of starts for Massimiliano Allegri's side in 2015 as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Inter in the much-anticipated Derby d'Italia and now will be closely watching the outcome of the Derby della Capitale, especially with the Giallorossi breathing down their necks at just one point behind them.
In fact, should Roma win against their city rivals, the pressure will be on Juventus to earn all three points against Napoli. Even a draw with the Partenopei would not suffice and the reigning Scudetto champions will be desparate to depart the San Paolo with a win in order to try to keep their title rivals at bay.
However, it will not be easy. Juventus have not won at Napoli's home ground since a 2-1 result in September 2000 and will be coming up against a side that have lost just one of their last five matches. Additionally, Rafa Benitez's men have one of the strongest attacks in the league so far, with 32 goals. Yet, in the same vein, despite their offensive firepower, their defense has not looked so solid and their 21 goals conceded will be of concern as the Bianconeri have currently netted 35 times--the most out of any side--so far this season.
Indeed, it will be interesting to see how the visitors' back line, who have jost conceded 8 goals, will cope with the pace and trickery of Napoli's attack. During the Supercoppa Italiana, it was the Gonzalo Higuain-Carlos Tevez show, with the Argentinian duo both netting braces to send the game into overtime and then penalties. Both will be expected to lead the line for their respective sides in what should be an entertaining clash for Serie A fans.
Although 10 points divide the two sides, a win would cut that gap to just seven and certainly, the hosts will be feel confident in doing just that as they welcome their northern opponents to their home ground.
Napoli vs Juventus team sheets
Napoli starting XI: Rafael; Maggio, Albiol, Koulibaly, Britos; David Lopez, Gargano; Callejon, Hamsik, De Guzman; Higuain
Juventus starting XI: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal; Tevez, Llorente
Napoli bench: Andujar, Colombo, Henrique, Duvan Zapata, Gabbiadini, Mesto, Jorginho, Inler, Radosevic, Strinic, Mertens
Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Lichtsteiner, Ogbonna, Pepe, Padoin, Vitale, Pereyra, Mattiello, Morata, Coman, Giovinco
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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