Verona vs Napoli
Serie A
Saturday
21st October 2023
Marc’Antonio Bentegodi
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Serie A gameweek 9 fixture between Verona and Napoli.
Verona vs Napoli: Preview
Verona form analysis
Hellas Verona seem to be struggling for form and positive results in their recent matches. They started this period with a goalless home draw against Bologna, suggesting difficulties in attack. This continued as they suffered a narrow 0-1 home defeat to high-flying AC Milan, failing to register a shot on target. Verona were again blunt in attack in a 0-1 loss at home to Atalanta, who scored through Koopmeiners. A 0-0 away draw with Torino followed, indicating defensive solidity but an ongoing lack of attacking threat. Most recently, Verona lost 1-2 away at Frosinone despite Đurić’s late consolation, extending their winless run.
Overall, Verona’s recent results paint the picture of a side lacking creativity and goals despite being organized defensively. They have scored only once in their last five games highlighting issues in attack. Coach Gabriele Cioffi seems to have made them tough to beat, but unable to trouble opponents in the final third. Players like Lazovic and Verdi have struggled to impact games so far. To get their season on track, Verona must find more cutting edge and productivity in the final third. But currently they lack an offensive spark.
Napoli form analysis
Napoli are in excellent form but do not look like genuine Serie A title contenders under manager Rudi Garcia. They started this run with a battling 2-2 draw away at Genoa, showing spirit to score late through Raspadori and Politano. A 0-0 draw away at Bologna followed, but Napoli returned to winning ways with an emphatic 4-1 home victory over Udinese. Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia and Simeone all impressed. Napoli made it back-to-back 4-1 wins by demolishing Lecce away from home, with Osimhen again on the scoresheet. Most recently they suffered their first defeat, losing 1-3 at home to Fiorentina despite Osimhen’s penalty briefly levelling.
Overall, Napoli have looked extremely formidable, playing exciting attacking football and scoring goals for fun. Osimhen has been unplayable, bagging 5 goals in 5 games. New signings Kvaratskhelia and Raspadori have also added flair and productivity. Garcia has built an intimidating attack full of speed, power and creativity. Defensively Napoli have been solid aside from the Fiorentina loss. If they can sustain this form, Napoli have an excellent opportunity to retain the Serie A.
