Napoli – Rangers : Preview & Prediction
Napoli extended their unbeaten start in Serie A (G9, E2) and recorded their 11th win in all competitions with a 1-0 victory over Roma over the weekend. The Italians have shown solid form at the European level as well, with four wins in four games so far in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage securing their presence in the knockout stages, although another win here against Rangers would further affirm them in the fight for the top of Group A.
In theory, topping their zone would give Napoli a more “favorable” series in the next round against the second-placed team from another group, and considering they have never advanced beyond the round of 16 in the UCL, that goal is perhaps Luciano Spalletti’s priority. Napoli could even secure that feat by improving on Liverpool’s result against Ajax, and the Italians should feel confident of doing their part, considering they are unbeaten in their last ten UCL home games (G7, E3).
Rangers’ run in this UCL has been far less fruitful, losing all four of their group games and arriving here with elimination from Europe’s top competition already assured. The Scots could still clinch third place in Group A and a place in the UEFA Europa League, but that probably depends on whether they can overcome Ajax’s result against Liverpool, considering that the tie-breaker is head-to-head, and that the two sides will meet on the final day after Rangers were thrashed 4-0 in their previous clash.
However, the outlook looks rather bleak for Rangers, as only two of the last 15 British teams to visit Naples have managed to come away with a win (E2, P11). With four points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic, Rangers can’t seem to take confidence from their home form either, and a 1-1 draw against Livingston at the weekend added further problems for coach Giovanni van Bronckhorts, who is already under the spotlight.
Key battle: Napoli’s Giacomo Raspadori has scored in his last three UCL appearances, netting the second goal on each occasion. Trying to stop him will be Rangers’ Alan McGregor, who has faced more shots on goal (29) and conceded more goals (12) than any other goalkeeper in this edition of the UCL after four games played.
Key stat: Rangers have lost in nine of their last 12 visits to Italy in continental competition (G1, E2).
Napoli – Rangers : Betting Tips
OVER 3.5 GOALS Odds: 2.25
