Preview: Napoli vs Sassuolo - live score, predicted lineups and H2H stats

[(SSC Napoli) Strength]:
1. SSC Napoli currently sit in 3rd place in the league with 40 points, six points behind the top spot and only one point away from falling out of the top four. The team urgently need points to extend their advantage.
2. Rasmus Hojlund, on loan from Manchester United F.C., has performed excellently this season, scoring nine goals and providing two assists, making him the team's top scorer.
3. Scott McTominay, last season's Serie A Player of the Year, continues his hot form this season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists. In the last three matches, he has scored three goals.
4. Left-back Alessandro Buongiorno has performed excellently, showcasing solid defense and exceptional heading ability. His current Transfermarkt value has reached 45 million euros.
5. SSC Napoli remain unbeaten at home in the league this season, scoring 16 goals and conceding eight in nine home matches.
6. In the last six encounters between the two teams, SSC Napoli won all of them, scoring 22 goals while conceding only two, demonstrating complete dominance.

[(SSC Napoli) Weakness]:
1. SSC Napoli's starting midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is out with a long-term injury and may miss the entire season. He has played 11 matches this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
2. SSC Napoli have drawn three consecutive matches in their last three games, including a 0-0 draw at home against mid-to-lower-table team Parma Calcio 1913 in their last match. Despite having nearly 70% possession, they failed to convert it into goals, indicating poor attacking form.

[(US Sassuolo Calcio) Strength]:
1. Sassuolo Calcio currently sit in 11th place in the league with 23 points, nine points clear of the relegation zone and with no immediate relegation risk. Facing SSC Napoli, who have been in poor form recently, the team are determined to earn points and have strong motivation.
2. Center-forward Andrea Pinamonti excels in aerial duels, scoring four goals and providing two assists this season, tying for the team's top scorer.

[(US Sassuolo Calcio) Weakness]:
1. Sassuolo Calcio's center-back Fali Cande and left-back Edoardo Pieragnolo will both miss the match due to injuries. To make matters worse, their starting midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt will also be out long-term due to a shoulder injury.
2. Domenico Berardi has played 12 matches for the team this season, scoring four goals and providing four assists, making him the player with the most direct goal involvements. However, he will miss the upcoming matches due to a muscle contusion.
3. Sassuolo Calcio failed to win in their last six matches, losing their last two games without scoring any goals, indicating poor recent form.
4. Sassuolo Calcio only won three of their ten away league matches this season, scoring 12 goals and conceding 13, showing poor away performance.
5. In their most recent match against SSC Napoli, Sassuolo Calcio lost 2-0, with all statistical metrics falling short and possession below 40% throughout the game.

[Tips]:
Although SSC Napoli have drawn three consecutive matches in their last three games, including a 0-0 draw at home in their last match, the team remain unbeaten at home and are one of the strongest home teams in Serie A.

Sassuolo Calcio have been in poor form recently, losing their last two matches while conceding five goals, indicating defensive struggles.

In past encounters, Napoli completely dominated Sassuolo.

Playing at home this time, Napoli are expected to continue their dominance over the visitors and end their three-match draw streak.

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