Napoli will look to secure back-to-back Serie A victories for the first time since March when they host newly-promoted Parma at Stadio Maradona on Saturday evening. Both teams enter the match in good spirits after impressive wins last weekend.
Antonio Conte’s Napoli reign got off to a rocky start with an opening day 3-0 defeat to Hellas Verona. However, they bounced back emphatically with a 3-0 triumph over Bologna, ending an eight-game winless run in the league. Captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo and star forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were on target as Napoli showed signs of returning to form.
The hosts are set for further reinforcements, with Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay expected to join the squad after the international break. For now, Giacomo Raspadori is likely to lead the line, supported by the in-form Kvaratskhelia.
Parma have made an impressive return to Serie A under Fabio Pecchia. After holding Fiorentina to a draw in their opener, they stunned AC Milan 2-1 last weekend. Dennis Man opened the scoring early before new signings Pontus Almqvist and Matteo Cancellieri combined for a late winner.
The visitors have a strong recent record at the Maradona, winning four of their last nine Serie A encounters there. They’ll be aiming to go unbeaten in their first three top-flight matches for the first time since 2003.
Team News
Napoli have no major injury concerns, while Parma will be without Hernani and Gabriel Charpentier. Nahuel Estevez is doubtful with a thigh issue.
This clash pits Conte’s resurgent Napoli against Pecchia’s exciting Parma side in what promises to be an intriguing encounter. Napoli will be favored at home, but Parma have already shown they can compete with Italy’s elite this season.
Expected Starting XIs
Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno; Mazzocchi, Lobotka, Anguissa, Olivera; Politano, Kvaratskhelia; Simeone
Parma: Suzuki; Coulibaly, Del Prato, Circati, Valeri; Bernabe, Estevez; Man, Sohm, Mihaila; Bonny
