In the scorching heat of Italian summer, Serie A enthusiasts are in for a treat as Napoli, the reigning champions with a perfect record, prepare to face last season's runners-up, Lazio, who have stumbled out of the gates in the new campaign. The Stadio Maradona will be the stage for this highly anticipated showdown, where new Napoli manager Rudi Garcia's tactical prowess will clash with the familiar face of Maurizio Sarri, now at the helm of Lazio.
Napoli's exceptional run continues unabated as they clinched yet another victory, maintaining their 100% record this season. Their latest conquest came against Sassuolo, with Victor Osimhen coolly slotting home from the penalty spot, followed by skipper Giovanni Di Lorenzo adding another to the tally. Their triumph was further facilitated by Sassuolo being reduced to ten men early in the second half.
Osimhen, the reigning Capocannoniere, has already netted three goals this season, demonstrating Napoli's unwavering form that has carried over from the previous campaign. Under Garcia, Napoli is not just collecting three points consistently but is also posting impressive numbers at both ends of the pitch. Their defensive solidity matches their flair in the attacking third, making them a formidable force.
As Napoli gears up to face Lazio, there is a distinct aura of confidence surrounding the team. Garcia's men have seamlessly adapted to his tactical philosophy, creating a cohesive unit that appears to be more than just the sum of its parts. The Stadio Maradona will bear witness to their quest to maintain their 100% record and prove their championship credentials once again.
On the other hand, Maurizio Sarri, Lazio's former manager, will have his share of concerns coming into this clash. Lazio's start to the season has been less than ideal, suffering defeats against Lecce on the opening weekend and narrowly losing to Genoa in Rome. Their recent record against Napoli since 2016 reflects three wins and ten losses in thirteen encounters. Although they can draw hope from their last victory at this venue, it is their current form that raises eyebrows.
If Lazio succumbs to Napoli, they will etch an undesirable chapter in their history, being a club that has never lost the first three games of a Serie A campaign. Sarri surely hopes to avoid such a scenario, but the odds appear to favor Garcia's side as they are riding high on confidence and momentum. Team News & Tactics Napoli: Rudi Garcia finds himself in the enviable position of having a fully fit squad at his disposal.
This luxury enables him to contemplate slight changes to the lineup that has secured two consecutive victories. One notable alteration on the bench could be the inclusion of Jesper Lindstorm, a new addition to Napoli, replacing the departed Hirving Lozano. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, despite returning to full fitness, found himself on the bench against Sassuolo. However, he may be pushing for a starting spot, especially given his potential to add a new dimension to Napoli's attack.
Giacomo Raspadori, who has been in exceptional form, might feel disappointed if he loses his place in the front three. Nevertheless, Garcia believes that the Georgian, Kvaratskhelia, can offer a unique edge in a match of this magnitude. Leading the line for Napoli, Victor Osimhen aims to become only the fourth player in the club's history to score in each of the team's first three games. With Kvaratskhelia back, Osimhen's partnership up front promises to boost the offensive output. Expect the Nigerian striker to be in the thick of the action, with every chance of finding the back of the net.
