The focus in Serie A this weekend shifts towards the relegation zone as the hosts for this game. Udinese take on Napoli, with the hosts facing a difficult task in playing last season’s champions in an important fixture that could have implications in the coming weeks.
Location: Stadio Friuli (Bluenergy Stadium)
Date: 06/05/2024
Kick-Off: 7:45 PM
The hosts have endured a terrible campaign so far this season and the prospect of relegation is likely. Salernitana have already confirmed their fate this season and because the first team to be relegated with two remaining spots still to be avoided. Udinese will be desperate for points as they host a Napoli side, who are a poor imitation of the championship-winning side from the previous campaign.
The home side for this game is 18th in the league after 34 games played. Sassuolo could be level on points with Udinese if they win their game in hand against Fiorentina on Monday. Udinese could make things seriously interesting with three games to go if they were to record a win over Napoli.
If Udinese were to beat Napoli, they would move as high as 15th. Empoli, Frosinone and Verona are all two points ahead of Udinese, having played the same number of games as each other. If Udinese fail to beat Napoli, they could find themselves at least five points behind one of the other teams involved.
For the hosts, the main issue has been the draws. Udinese have lost the least amount of the teams involved in the bottom five but have accumulated 17 draws in Serie A this season and only won four games in total.
Napoli, on the other hand, are hanging on to any minor chances they have of European qualification. Last season’s champions have been poor since the managerial change that has affected their side which they have produced a disappointing campaign.
Napoli are currently eighth in the league after 34 games played and as it stands are 13 points behind Bologna who are fourth with four games to play. After their 2-2 draw with Roma, Napoli are also nine points behind their previous opponents in a race for potential Europa League qualification and they look destined to remain without European football next season.
The visitors have a slim chance however of making the Europa Conference League spots with Lazio and Atalanta currently ahead of them in the league, in a much more attainable position. Napoli are five points behind Lazio and seven points behind Atalanta respectively.
Consistency has been a huge issue for Napoli this season, on and off the pitch. The managerial changes away from the performances undoubtedly have caused issues in the club. On the pitch, Napoli have 50 points from 34 games, having won 13, drawn 11 and lost 10.
In the previous meeting between the two sides, Napoli were the comfortable winners. Goals from Giovanni Simeone, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Victor Osimhen and Piotr Zielinski gave Napoli a 4-1 win. Lazar Smardzic scored for the away side.
Serie A 
