Serie A preview and betting tips: Napoli to claim first Scudetto in 33 years
- Sergiu Baltuta
- 3 May 2023
Napoli will lift the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years if they beat Udinese at the Dacia Arena on Thursday evening but could be champions by kick-off depending on Lazio's result.
After missing an opportunity to be crowned champions at home last weekend, Napoli may be able to celebrate the first Scudetto in 33 years on Thursday when they travel to face Udinese in round 33 of Serie A.
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Udinese vs Napoli verdict
The team from Southern Italy have won 12 of the last 13 matches against Udinese, with the other ending in a draw. In the six most recent meetings, Napoli have scored at least two goals. Udinese's last win at home against Napoli was in April 2016, when they recorded a 3-1 victory.
Udinese have won just one of their last five matches and are off the back of a 1-0 defeat in their last match against Lecce, causing them to drop to 13th place in the Serie A table.
The gap between themselves and 10th place is now just two points though. Despite defeat last time out, Andrea Sotti's team will still be hopeful of a top-half finish. They're a very hard team to beat when playing at home and that form should see them continue to pick up points.
Udinese are undefeated at home since January 15th when they suffered a defeat against Bologna. Even the big clubs have struggled here this season, with The Little Zebras winning against Roma, Inter and Milan.
It's worth noting that the hosts will be without Enzo Ebosse, Gerard Deulofeu and Isaac Success, all of whom are injured. The absence of the latter took limits their options and quality in attacking areas. Meanwhile, the visitors will be without Mario Rui and Matteo Politano.
On Sunday, Napoli could only manage a 1-1 draw at home against Salernitana, a result which denied them the glorious confirmation of a first Scudetto in over 30 years.
They could win the third league title in the club's history when they visit Udinese, but it does depend on results elsewhere. If Lazio fails to beat Sassuolo, then Napoli are champions by the time they kick off at Udinese.
Despite making hard work of their recent home games, Napoli have been unstoppable on their travels. The Serie A leader has reeled off eight consecutive away wins. They also managed to keep a clean sheet in seven of those matches.
