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Napoli vs Juventus preview: How to watch on TV, live stream, team news & prediction

By James Cormack

DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA STADIUM, NAPOLI, CAMPANIA, ITALY - 2021/02/13: Napoli's Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen fights for the ball with Juventus' French midfielder Adrien Rabiot (L) and Juventus' Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur during the Serie A football match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Naples. Napoli won 1-0. (Photo by Antonio Balasco/KONTROLAB/LightRocket via Getty Images)
DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA STADIUM, NAPOLI, CAMPANIA, ITALY - 2021/02/13: Napoli's Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen fights for the ball with Juventus' French midfielder Adrien Rabiot (L) and Juventus' Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur during the Serie A football match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Naples. Napoli won 1-0. (Photo by Antonio Balasco/KONTROLAB/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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Juventus will be up against it when they visit Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Saturday evening.

The ventures of the Bianconeri’s South American contingent during the first international break mean Massimiliano Allegri has his hands tied regarding team selection. Several players are expected to miss out.

It’s an important game for Allegri’s side, too, following their poor start to the season. They’ve accumulated just one point from their opening two games, and head into Saturday’s bout with their pitiful 1-0 defeat to Empoli still fresh in the memory.

Victor Osimhen will return for Saturday’s clash. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Victor Osimhen will return for Saturday’s clash. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) /

Spalletti’s Napoli is a tough proposition, although they’re certainly yet to fire on all cylinders despite winning both of their opening games. After easing past Venezia with ten men on Matchday 1, they were bailed out by a late Andrea Petagna header to earn a 2-1 triumph against Genoa the following week.

Juventus will be hopeful of avenging last season’s 1-0 defeat in Naples when they lock horns on Saturday.

Here’s our preview of the blockbuster fixture amid an exciting weekend of Serie A action.

Where to Watch Napoli vs Juventus

When is it? Saturday 11 September

What time is kick-off? 17:00 (BST)

Where is it played? Diego Armando Maradona Stadium

TV Channel? BT Sport 3 (UK), Paramount+ (US)

Napoli Team News

Luciano Spalletti was handed a major boost in the build-up to Saturday’s clash as Victor Osimhen had his suspension following his harsh red card on Matchday 1 reduced to one game. The Nigerian striker is now available for the weekend and will likely lead Napoli’s line.

However, the hosts are set to be without Stanislav Lobotka, who picked up an injury while playing for Slovenia during the recent international break. Alex Meret, Diego Demme and Piotr Zielinski are also sidelined.

Loan arrival Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa could start after completing his first training session with the club in the week.

Juventus Team News

Paulo Dybala, Juan Cuadrado, Alex Sandro, Danilo and Rodrigo Bentancur (who also picked up a minor injury during the break) are all unlikely to start Saturday’s clash as they’re only set to return to Europe on Friday. Some might not be involved at all.

Federico Chiesa also endured an injury scare while away with the Azzurri and underwent tests at Continassa on Thursday morning. He’s a doubt for this one.

Aaron Ramsey, Kaio Jorge and Arthur Melo remain out, while the returning Moise Kean is in contention to start after starring for Italy in their 5-0 triumph over Lithuania. Manuel Locatelli should make his first Juventus start in Bentancur’s likely absence.

Predicted Lineups

Napoli: Ospina; Di Lorenzo, Manolas, Koulibaly, Rui; Fabian, Anguissa, Elmas; Politano, Osimhen, Insigne.

Juventus: Szczesny; De Ligt, Bonucci, Chiellini; De Sciglio, Locatelli, Rabiot, Bernardeschi; Kulusevski, Morata, Kean.

Napoli’s Recent Form

Napoli 1-5 Benevento (06/09) – Friendly

Genoa 1-2 Napoli (29/08) – Serie A

Napoli 2-0 Venezia (22/08) – Serie A

Napoli 4-0 Pescara (14/08) – Friendly

Napoli 2-1 Ascoli (08/08) – Friendly

Juventus’ Recent Form

Juventus 0-1 Empoli (28/08) – Serie A

Udinese 2-2 Juventus (22/08) – Serie A

Juventus 3-1 Atalanta (14/08) – Friendly

Barcelona 3-0 Juventus (08/08) – Joan Gamper Trophy

Monza 1-2 Juventus (31/07) – Friendly

Napoli vs Juventus Prediction

A coaching masterclass is required from Massimiliano Allegri on Saturday. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
A coaching masterclass is required from Massimiliano Allegri on Saturday. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images) /

These are the games in which Massimiliano Allegri thrives. Hamstrung by CONMEBOL, the Italian boss will have to be at his pragmatic, tinkering best if Juventus are to get their desired result against an impressive Napoli outfit.

I’m sure the game plan will be ensuring the game doesn’t get away from the Bianconeri in the opening period. Expect a transition-heavy Old Lady in this one, where the ball-carrying capacity of Dejan Kulusevski will come to the fore in Chiesa’s absence.

On the other side, nullifying Victor Osimhen will be imperative, while Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa adds another dimension to Napoli’s midfield. The potential battle in the middle of the park between Anguissa and Manuel Locatelli is an intriguing sub-plot.

Overall, I think a cagey encounter is inevitable on Saturday, with Juventus striking late on to cancel out a Napoli opener. This would be a great point for the visitors.

Prediction: Napoli 1-1 Juventus

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