Napoli vs Verona Betting Tips and Predictions

Napoli’s title charge suffered a damaging blow last weekend, with a shock 3-1 defeat at Udinese leaving Sarri’s side six points behind Juventus at the top of Serie A. An even bigger problem for Napoli was the sending-off of Gonzalo Higuain, who had a meltdown when sent off and pushed the referee in the chest before having to be led away and restrained by team-mates. Napoli are appealing Higuain’s four-game ban but the appeal is not being heard until next week, so he is out of this match against bottom side Verona. Napoli tend to win this game pretty comfortably and should do so again on Sunday.

A 1-0 victory at Bologna on Monday gave Verona a bit of hope in their survival bid, but there is still six points to make up on the teams above to complete one of the greatest escapes in Serie A history. Verona handed a debut to Brazilian defender Samir last time out and he responded with the winning goal, but can lightning strike twice? Napoli may be vulnerable after last weekend’s loss, coupled with being without Higuain, but the gulf between these sides is vast and should be too big for the visitors to broach.

Napoli are short-priced favourites despite Higuain’s suspension and being without the Argentinian could provide others with a chance to shine. Napoli’s last three home games against Verona have been won 3-0, 6-2 and 5-1, so the head-to-head is strongly in favour of the hosts. Napoli -2 at 8/5 with bet365 therefore appeals, even with Higuain unavailable, while a repeat of this season’s 3-0 Coppa Italia victory can be backed at 7/1.