Napoli who are endlessly tested by Roma

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has brought Serie A to life for Napoli this season

Unremitting Serie A leaders Napoli are in fine form as the top four chasing Roma prepare to visit Diego Armando Maradona’s Stadio.

Fourth place Inter Milan will hope to put pressure on the Giallorossi by bouncing back from last time out defeat in tomorrow’s game with Cremonese.

Nerazzurri city rivals AC Milan must beat struggling Sassuolo to end their own poor run of form, while up-and-coming Lazio face mid-table Fiorentina.

Juventus host Monza knowing defeat will see their opponents leapfrog them in the table after the Old Lady’s 15-point deduction.

Match of the Week: Napoli vs Roma (Sunday, 19.45)
Undeterred by their unbeaten streak earlier in the year, Napoli’s seemingly unstoppaaaaable streak towards the Scudetto continues with Roma next.

This could be a low-scoring clash thanks to both sides’ strong defensive records.

Each of these teams has conceded just seven goals in the second half of Serie A games this season—the lowest in the league together—and are ranked in the top two for shots on target faced (51 for Napoli, 54 for Roma), as well as goals conceded from deep. penalty box (10 for Napoli, 13 for Roma — same with Lazio).

Jose Mourinho’s men may prove especially difficult to crack for Serie A’s top-scoring team. Across Europe’s big five leagues, only Nantes and Newcastle (both five) have kept more clean sheets in all competitions in 2023 than the capital’s side (four).

Cremonese vs Inter Milan (Saturday, 17:00)

Cremonese’s winless Serie A run continued at Bologna last time out
Inter have been inconsistent this season but their problems pale in comparison to the problems Cremonese are facing.

They became only the second Serie A team since 2004-05 to fail to win a game in the first half of the season.

The visitors have conceded in each of their last 13 league games on the road – their longest streak without a clean sheet since 1988.

However, Inter have scored more goals in the first 30 minutes of games than any other side in this division, while Cremonese have conceded the most goals in that period (both 13).

AC Milan vs Sassuolo (Sunday, 11.30)

AC Milan were humiliated by top four rivals Lazio in their last outing
Milan are in a slump – they have failed to win any of their last five matches in all competitions (two draws, three defeats), including a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Lazio last time out.

Their next opponent, Sassuolo, is not much better. The Neroverdi were winless in their previous eight league matches, losing six of them.

Even taking the lead on Sunday is no guarantee of a positive result for the side from Emilia-Romagna, who have droppeeeed 34 points from a winning position since manager Alessio Dionisi took charge last season – only Verona (44) and Bologna (39) are worse off. notes for the period.

The Rossoneri sit second but 12 points behind leaders Napoli, while Sassuolo are just one place above the relegation zone.

Lazio vs. Fiorentina (Sunday, 17:00)

Fiorentina often processes the ball into wide areas
Lazio is one of three teams locked in 37 points going into Matchday 20.

Thankfully for Maurizio Sarri’s men, they have a strong record against upcoming opponents Fiorentina.

The Biancocelesti scored the most goals in Serie A against La Viola (206) and have won six of their last seven league meetings (one defeat), as well as each of their last five home matches in all competitions.

This game will see two teams with very different approaches collide – Lazio have attempted the fewest open play crosses in the division this season (127), while Fiorentina lead the league with 318.

Juventus vs Monza (Sunday, 14:00)
A long way to go back to Juventus after their points deduction – they now sit 10th in this game, 14 points from the top four.

Max Allegri’s side next host Monza, who enjoyed the best debut season of any Serie A club since 2004-05, picking up 22 points in their 19 games so far.

Moreover, Raffaele Palladino’s men are unbeaten in their previous five league matches (two wins, three draws), representing their longest unbeaten run in the top flight.

However, the Bianconeri have won five of their last six meetings with the promoted side – although their only defeat came against Monza.

Another weekend game
Bologna vs Spezia (Friday, 17.30)

Lecce vs Salernitana (Friday, 19:45)

Empoli vs Torino (Saturday, 14:00)

Atalanta vs Sampdoria (Saturday, 19:45)

Udinese vs Verona (Mon, 19:45)