Napoli seek sixth straight win at Parma as squad returns to full strength
SSC Napoli travel to face Parma on Sunday, aiming for a sixth consecutive Serie A victory as their squad returns to full strength. The Partenopei's recent surge in form has coincided with the return of key players from injury, which manager Antonio Conte believes has been the catalyst for their improved results. The club confirmed the returns of Frank Anguissa, Stanislav Lobotka, Scott McTominay, and Kevin De Bruyne from various muscular problems, with the latter two having missed significant portions of the season. This upturn in form has kept Napoli in the periphery of the title race, pending results elsewhere.
Napoli’s recent run has been built on a solid defensive foundation, conceding only three goals during their five-match winning streak. Conte is expected to name a strong side, with the only major selection dilemma in goal, where Vanja Milinkovic-Savic is favoured over Alex Meret. Further up the pitch, Matteo Politano is in a tight contest with Jesper Lindstrom for the starting role on the right flank, while Rasmus Hojlund is set to return to the starting lineup after recovering from a stomach bug. The Danish striker is expected to replace the in-form Gabriel Jesus, who started in the 2-0 win over AC Milan.
Conte has been experimenting with a 3-4-3 formation in training this week, a system that brought success against Milan. The return of key personnel has allowed for greater tactical flexibility, with Lobotka and Anguissa providing a dominant platform in midfield. The team's improved fitness has also allowed them to compete effectively in all competitions, having been eliminated from midweek European and Coppa Italia competitions, which Conte has cited as a key factor in their improved league consistency.
Parma, managed by Carlos Cuesta, find themselves in a precarious position, sitting just above the relegation zone on goal difference. The Gialloblu have struggled at home this season, with their last victory at the Stadio Ennio Tardini dating back to February. Cuesta confirmed that key winger Dennis Man is a doubt for the match, while Antonín Barák is suspended. However, the return of striker Wout Weghorst from a minor knock is a significant boost for a side that has failed to score in three of their last four home games.
Cuesta acknowledged the challenge, stating his team views the match as a major opportunity. "Facing Napoli is a chance for us to deliver a great performance," the Parma boss said in his pre-match press conference. He emphasized the need for a collective effort, highlighting the midfield work of Nahuel Estévez and the need for defensive solidity against Napoli's potent attack. Parma's main threat is expected to come from set-pieces, where they have scored a league-high 12 goals this season, a potential vulnerability for a Napoli side that has looked vulnerable on crosses.
A victory for Napoli would see them apply significant pressure on the league leaders, especially with rivals Inter Milan facing a tough away fixture. For Parma, a positive result is crucial in their fight to avoid relegation, with the team currently locked in a tense battle to avoid the drop. The match pits Napoli's potent, resurgent attack against a Parma defense that has been breached 11 times in their last five outings, suggesting goals are likely at the Tardini.
