Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
Napoli will travel to Parma for their Serie A Matchday 37 clash on Sunday, May 18. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 Central European Time. Here’s my pick for the winner of this match.
Parma vs Napoli: match facts and head-to-head
- Parma are winless in three consecutive games: two defeats and a draw.
- Napoli are on a ten-match unbeaten streak.
- On the road, Napoli have claimed two wins and two draws in their last four away fixtures.
- In their last five away games, Napoli have not scored more than one goal per match.
- Napoli boast the best defense in Serie A—just 27 goals conceded in 36 rounds.
- Napoli have won 42% of their matches with a clean sheet. For Parma, that figure is just 8%.
- Napoli have lost only 8% of their matches without scoring a single goal.
- In the reverse fixture, Napoli beat Parma 2-1. In the last five head-to-head encounters, Napoli have won three times, Parma twice.
Parma vs Napoli: match preview
Parma have spent most of the season either in the relegation zone or teetering on its edge. The club’s management opted for a coaching change, bringing in Cristian Chivu, who managed to stabilize things somewhat and get Parma picking up points. Thanks to this, they have pulled four points clear of the drop and now look well placed to stay in Serie A after their return from Serie B. If you’ve forgotten, last season the team played in the second division. Their survival chances are decent, but their current form is a concern—Parma are winless in their last three outings. The points cushion offers some relief with two rounds remaining, but there’s no room for complacency yet.
Napoli appointed Antonio Conte as head coach before the start of the season, and he could clinch the title at the first attempt. The Neapolitans sit atop the table with two games left, but their lead is razor-thin—just one point. After 36 rounds, Napoli have 78 points, Inter have 77. At this stage, the team can’t afford to think about anything but winning this match. There’s no margin for error—only victory will do. What’s already beyond doubt, though, is that Napoli will finish with the league’s best defense: just 27 goals conceded. That’s an outstanding figure for a Conte side. Add to that their tremendous form—ten straight matches unbeaten.
Probable line-ups
- Parma: Suzuki; Del Prato, Leoni, Balogh; Eino, Hernani, Keita, Sohm, Valeri; Pellegrino, Bonny
- Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Olivera, Spinazzola; Politano, Anguissa, Gilmour, McTominay; Raspadori, Lukaku
Prediction
Napoli are fighting for the title, and I believe they’ll do everything in their power to secure a win. Facing Parma won’t be easy, but the hosts’ current form leaves much to be desired—unlike the visitors. I expect a cagey affair with not too many goals, but I’m backing Napoli to win at odds of 1.49.
