Napoli face Verona to claim top spot

At the Maradona, the title race between Inter, Napoli, and Milan heats up: the Partenopei, boosted by wins over Cremonese and Lazio, host Verona in a bid to take the top spot, at least temporarily, ahead of their rivals’ matches. Verona, meanwhile, sit at the bottom of the table and are looking to pick themselves back up after two 3-0 defeats against AC Milan and Torino.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

There have been 43 official meetings between the two teams in Naples with a record showing 26 Campanian victories (the latest, 2-0 in Serie A 2024/25), 14 draws (latest 0-0 in Serie A 2022/23), and 3 Verona’s victories (the latest 2-1 in Serie A 1982/83).

The last Gialloblù victory in Naples dates back to January 2, 1983, 2-1 in Serie A, with a brace from Fanna and a consolation goal from Pellegrini III. Since then, 26 meetings in the shadow of Vesuvius, with 18 Azzurri victories and 8 draws.

DID YOU KNOW?

Napoli unbeaten at home for 22 official matches, of which 16 won and 6 drawn. Last defeat against Lazio, 0-1, on December 8, 2024, Serie A.

Verona (10) is the Serie A 2025/26 team that concedes the most goals in the final 15 minutes including stoppage time.

COACHES and PLAYERS

Between Antonio Conte and Paolo Zanetti, this is their 3rd official meeting, with one home victory each in the first two. Zanetti's came on the first matchday of last year's Serie A, Verona-Napoli 3-0.

DISCIPLINE 

Suspended: Mazzocchi (Napoli)

Cautioned: Juan Jesus (Napoli), Nunez, Akpa Akpro, (Verona)        

REFEREE

MARCHETTI (ZINGARELLI – FONTANI) IV: ARENA, VAR: MARINI, AVAR: MAGGIONI

UPCOMING MATCHES

Inter-Napoli (Sunday January 11, 20.45 CET)

Verona-Lazio (Sunday January 11, 18.00 CET)

(Photo Getty Images)