Napoli vs Juventus Predictions

• Juventus have kept eight consecutive clean sheets in Serie A, with six of those games containing under 2.5 goals.
• Napoli, meanwhile, have seen under 2.5 goals scored in four of their last six matches – including their two outings since the World Cup.
• Juventus have conceded just seven Serie A goals this season – Napoli have the league’s second-best defensive record with 13 goals against.
• Four of the last six head-to-head meetings between Napoli and Juventus have contained fewer than three goals.

Irresistible force meets immovable object

This weekend’s Serie A action kicks off with a mouth-watering clash at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, as Scudetto favourites Napoli host Juventus. Luciano Spalletti’s side have won plenty of admirers with their full-throttle attacking style this campaign and approach Friday’s game with a seven-point lead over the Bianconeri, who have won eight consecutive games to nil to force their way into the title race. The visitors’ defensive nous could prove key in an intriguing contest.

Napoli bounced back from their first defeat of the Serie A season – which came at Inter – by deservedly beating Sampdoria 2-0 last time out, making it 12 wins in their last 13 league games. While the Partenopei’s record of 39 goals scored is more than any other Serie A team this campaign, their attacking returns have slowed of late; under 2.5 goals have been scored in four of their last six games, including their two since top-flight football returned after the World Cup break.

Juventus have used another approach to get themselves into the title race, keeping a remarkable eight consecutive clean sheets and last conceding a league goal against Milan in early October. Juventus’ record of just seven Serie A goals conceded this term is at least six fewer than any other side – Napoli have the second-best record with 13 – and they have seen under 2.5 goals scored in six of their last eight league games.

High stakes make tight affair likely

Given Juventus’ stubborn streak and solid defensive record in big games – under 2.5 goals have been scored in six of their seven Serie A meetings with top-half teams this campaign, backing a maximum of two goals in this huge game appears prudent.

Meanwhile, with the visitors likely to defend deep and Napoli themselves boasting an impressive defensive record – as well as a commanding lead in the league table, a low-scoring draw may be on the cards. We’re tipping a cagey 1-1 stalemate as our correct score prediction.

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