Napoli vs Juventus
Of the 10 football games in Serie A this weekend, there’s no doubt where the main focus will be.
Not just for sports betting fans but for much of Italy as one of the big clashes of the season unfolds.
And of all the various options at your disposal, the only thing I can guarantee is that betting odds won’t be offered on one aspect of the fixture – which fans make the loudest noise.
Because when the league leaders and champions-elect arrive in Naples to resume one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in Serie A, they won’t have anyone to cheer them on.
Of course, a handful may gain access into the Stadio San Paolo but Juventus will largely be alone.
That is because Napoli has confirmed no visiting supporters will be allowed in the stadium, citing reasons of ‘public order’.
It will be the same for next week’s Coppa Italia semi-final second leg too.
Before anyone stands up and pleads unfairness, the same rule applied to Napoli fans during their two visits to Turin earlier this season.
It’s partly understandable given the sides are hated rivals.
That was only fuelled when talisman Gonzalo Higuain swapped the light blue for the ‘Old Lady’ last summer, a move even the most measured Neapolitans took as a personal affront.
The contrast between the sides is clear and it’s far more than just a North-South divide.
Napoli are an exciting, attacking outfit and have only failed to score three times all season.
Even without Higuain, the trio of Lorenzo Insigne, Jose Callejon and Dries Mertens – this week linked with a lucrative move to China – remain potent.
Problem is at the other end of the park.
Napoli have just two clean sheets in 2017, while Juventus’ rearguard is widely considered one of the most resolute around.
Then there is the Juve attacking threat with Higuain and Paulo Dybala finding the net on a regular basis, although that cutting edge has been tempered slightly with Mario Mandzukic an injury doubt and Marko Pjaca ruled out for the season after damaging knee ligaments on international duty.
It all comes back to the Argentine.
In this fixture last season, Higuain scored once and set up the other in a Napoli victory.
In their two matches this season, Higuain has scored in both games against his former employers – both Juventus victories.
Perhaps this is a good time for Napoli to host Juve, given they are just over a week away from a mouth-watering Champions League quarter-final with Barcelona and have their injury problems.
Perhaps Napoli could slightly re-open the Scudetto race with victory.
Yet, realistically, whatever the outcome, this big match won’t decide the outcome of the title – it will be just well worth watching because it is a big grudge match and sparks may fly.
Even if you’ll probably only hear one set of supporters!
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
Click for more football betting options.
