Now clear at the top of Serie A with only four rounds remaining, Scudetto-seeking Napoli will target maximum points when they visit Lecce on Saturday evening.

Playing just before Inter Milan, the Partenopei can pile more pressure on their title rivals by pushing the hosts deeper into danger at Stadio Via del Mare.

Match preview

© Imago

Napoli continued their quest for a fourth Serie A title last weekend, when Torino visited an expectant Stadio Maradona, and they duly delivered three precious points.

Another Scott McTominay show secured victory over mid-table opponents, as he first hit double figures for Serie A strikes, then scored his 11th league goal of the season - and no-one else covered as much ground as the Scottish midfielder.

As ailing Inter slipped up against Roma, that saw Antonio Conte's side move top of the pile by three points, making them masters of their own destiny.

Even if they lose once and the Nerazzurri are flawless straight through to the finish, a playoff for first place would then take place, giving them another shot at the grand prize.

So, despite losing Victor Osimhen, and then Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Napoli have improved by 24 points compared to this time last year - at least double the tally of any other club - and are on track for a second Scudetto in the space of three seasons.

A hallmark of Conte's renowned organisational skills, they have conceded only three goals from set pieces - fewer than any other team across Europe's top five leagues - and are also the only side yet to concede from a header.

Three consecutive clean sheets have provided the basis to overtake Inter, and Napoli have also shut out Lecce in each of the pair's last three meetings - including a 1-0 win at the Maradona earlier this season.

© Imago

Before hosting their southern rivals this weekend, Lecce have lost and conceded at least twice in all of their last four home games against Napoli, suggesting they will start Saturday's game as long-shot outsiders.

While the visitors are going for glory, the Salentini are simply fighting for Serie A survival, having picked up just two points from their last nine matches.

Despite holding top-four contenders Atalanta BC to a 1-1 draw last time out - when they wore white jerseys in protest at being made to play soon after the death of a beloved club doctor - Lecce are still deep in danger.

Marco Giampaolo's men only have a slender two-point buffer to the drop zone, meaning their three-year stay among Calcio's elite could yet be brought to an end.

Lecce have not won at home since December, collecting a mere three points at Via del Mare since then; having failed to even score in six of their last nine games on home turf, it will take a dramatic turn of events to defeat Italy's top dogs.

Team News

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After being risked soon after his return to full training, Napoli centre-back Alessandro Buongiorno was forced off against former club Torino, and a thigh injury could now see him miss the rest of the run-in.

As experienced replacement Juan Jesus is also ruled out, Rafa Marin may make a rare start in Salento, alongside defensive mainstay Amir Rrahmani - alternatively, Mathias Olivera would shift inside from left-back.

Further forward, Scott McTominay is closing in on Marek Hamsik's 21st century record for goals scored by a Napoli midfielder in one league season: he currently has 11, while the Slovakian star struck 12 times in both 2016-17 and 2009-10.

McTominay should again link up with Romelu Lukaku and Matteo Politano, while Leonardo Spinazzola continues to stand in for injured winger David Neres.

Meanwhile, Lecce's attack is led by top scorer Nikola Krstovic, who will be gladly welcomed back from a one-match ban by Marco Giampaolo.

Medon Berisha also returns from suspension, leaving only long-term absentees Gaby Jean and Filip Marchwinski (both ACL) on the sidelines.

Responsible for 10 of the Giallorossi's 23 league goals this season, Krstovic should replace Ante Rebic up front, while Berisha will compete for selection in midfield.

Lecce possible starting lineup:
Falcone; Guilbert, Baschirotto, Gaspar, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ramadani; Pierotti, Helgason, Morente; Krstovic

Napoli possible starting lineup:
Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Marin, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka; Politano, McTominay, Spinazzola; Lukaku

© PA Photos

We say: Lecce 0-2 Napoli

Having rediscovered their ruthless efficiency, Napoli will not let Lecce stop them taking one step closer to the title.

Even if they are not firing on all cylinders up front, the Partenopei should blunt their hosts' tepid attack and score at least once themselves.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Written by
Jonathan O'Shea

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