TIPS - SSC Napoli VS Cagliari Calcio

[(SSC Napoli) Strength]:
1. This season, SSC Napoli have not only kept their championship-winning squad from last season but have also completed a squad upgrade. The most significant signing was the free transfer of Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. They also brought in forwards Lorenzo Lucca and Noa Lang, defenders Miguel Gutierrez, Sam Beukema, and Luca Marianucci, as well as goalkeepers Mathias Ferrante and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
2. SSC Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay scored a goal in the last league game, helping the team open the scoring. The player, who was the Serie A MVP last season, continues to be in hot form in the new season.
3. SSC Napoli secured a dominant 2-0 away victory over newly promoted US Sassuolo Calcio in the last league match, marking a winning start to the new season. They are currently on a four-game winning streak, continuing their strong performance from the pre-season friendlies.
4. SSC Napoli scored 12 goals in the last 5 games, averaging over 2 goals per game, which revealed full offense.
5. SSC Napoli conceded only 27 goals in 38 league games last season, the fewest in the league, showcasing their outstanding defense.
6. SSC Napoli received 14 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses in 19 league games at home last season, with a high win rate of 74%, ranking 1st in the league.

[(SSC Napoli) Neutral]:
1. SSC Napoli forward Romelu Lukaku will be out for at least 3-4 months due to injury. To fill the vacancy at the center-forward position, the team reached an agreement with Manchester United for the transfer of Rasmus Hojlund. The player's arrival has been confirmed, and they are just waiting for the official announcement.

[(Cagliari Calcio) Strength]:
1. Cagliari Calcio's starting center-back Sebastiano Luperto scored with a header in the last league game, helping the team tie with ACF Fiorentina. Besides, he contributed 6 clearances and 1 tackle, performing well on both ends.
2. Cagliari Calcio conceded 3 goals in the last 5 games and kept two clean sheets, boasting commendable defense.

[(Cagliari Calcio) Weakness]:
1. Cagliari Calcio forward Leonardo Pavoletti and defender Nicola Pintus will continue to be sidelined due to injuries in this match.
2. Cagliari Calcio forward Roberto Piccoli recently transferred to ACF Fiorentina. Last season, he appeared in 40 matches across all competitions for the team, contributing 12 goals and 1 assist, making him the team's most reliable scorer.
3. Cagliari Calcio drew 1-1 with ACF Fiorentina in the last league game at home, failing to start the league with a win.
4. Cagliari Calcio scored 4 goals in the last 5 games, with an average of less than 1 goal per game, indicating weak attack.
5. Cagliari Calcio recorded 3 wins, 5 draws, and 11 losses in 19 league games on the road last season, ranking 3rd from the bottom away from home in the league.
6. Cagliari Calcio were winless with 2 draws and 4 losses in the last 6 encounters between both sides, placing them at a disadvantage.

[Tips]:
Defending champions SSC Napoli continue their outstanding performances in the new season, beating newly promoted US Sassuolo Calcio on the road in the first league match.

The team boast excellent offense and defense, performing strongly at home as well.

Cagliari Calcio secured a draw at home in the first league game of the new season, showing inferior performances to Napoli.

Their offense is weak, and their away strength is very limited.

From the two teams' H2H records in recent years, Cagliari Calcio were completely at a disadvantage, so they cannot be overestimated in this away game.

Thus, Napoli are expected to win the match.

[Recommended]:
SSC Napoli (-1/1.5)