SSC Napoli is poised to take another significant step toward capturing the Coppa Italia title as they face Cagliari on Wednesday at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in a Last 16 clash. Eager to secure their seventh Coppa Italia trophy, the reigning Serie A champions are set for a tough test against a resolute Cagliari side.
Since the November international break, Napoli has rediscovered its winning form, claiming three consecutive victories across competitions. This includes key wins over Atalanta, Qarabag in the Champions League, and most recently, a gritty 1-0 win against AS Roma in the Derby del Sole. Under the tactical guidance of Antonio Conte, the team has focused on strong defensive play, conceding only one goal in their last three matches, showcasing their revitalized defensive resilience following a challenging start to the season.
Napoli’s recent win over Roma has energized their title bid, putting them level on points with AC Milan, the current league leaders. David Neres scored the crucial goal in a match that tested their defensive strategy, as they successfully absorbed significant pressure from their opponents. Conte has expressed satisfaction with the character shown by his injury-stricken squad, highlighting their determination during this demanding period.
As Napoli shifts focus to the Coppa Italia, they aim to end their six-year trophy drought, having previously won the tournament six times. Their entry into this stage of the competition comes later than most teams due to their commitments in Europe, but they are enthusiastic about the possibility of facing Fiorentina or Como in the quarter-finals, contingent on a strong performance against Cagliari.
Cagliari arrives at this fixture following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Juventus in Serie A. The team has struggled for consistency this season, barely avoiding relegation last year and continuing to hover just above the drop zone. Their progression to the Last 16 has come after overcoming Virtus Entella and Frosinone, but their recent form poses a significant challenge as they prepare to meet Napoli.
Historically, Cagliari has faced challenges against Napoli, managing to win only once in their last 29 Serie A encounters. Their most recent clash saw Napoli secure a narrow 1-0 victory at the Maradona, extending Cagliari’s winless stretch against them to nine matches. Despite their struggles, Cagliari’s objective remains focused on making a competitive contest while prioritizing their survival in Serie A over cup aspirations.
In terms of line-ups, Napoli is expected to implement heavy rotation due to a persistent injury list, which has complicated Conte’s selection choices. Key players like Romelu Lukaku and goalkeeper Alex Meret remain sidelined, forcing Napoli to lean on their depth. Eljif Elmas and Lorenzo Lucca are anticipated to step into the starting lineup, as the team likely continues to deploy its effective 3-4-2-1 formation.
Cagliari, facing their own injury setbacks, may also rotate their squad. The absence of key players like Andrea Belotti and Yerry Mina significantly impacts their capabilities. However, they will look to maintain defensive rigidity while aiming for counter-attacks as they adopt a similar 3-4-2-1 structure.
Cagliari’s away record against Napoli compounds their challenges, having not won in their last 23 visits to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona and boasting a nine-match winless streak in all competitions.
As the match approaches, all eyes will be on Lorenzo Lucca, who is expected to play a crucial role in Napoli’s attempt to break down Cagliari’s defense. With a blend of athleticism and aerial prowess, Lucca’s performance could be pivotal in securing a victory and reinforcing Napoli’s ambitions for cup glory.
With Napoli riding a wave of confidence from their recent performances and the depth of their squad, they are poised for a favorable outcome in this encounter. The expected prediction is a 2-0 win for Napoli, as they continue their pursuit of the coveted Coppa Italia trophy while aiming to maintain momentum in their Serie A title defense.