After the last match Napoli has played, where they maybe even lost 2 points in an unfortunate way, their club president Aurelio De Laurentiis started doubting some referee’s decisions that were against his team. The Neapolitans were on a good way to record a win, but towards the end of the match, the ref called a bit suspicious penalty for the hosts. There’s no doubt the refs will be under great pressure for the game against Bari this Sunday. At the moment, Walter Mazzarri’s squad is at the 11th spot with 20 points, and is only 4 points behind Sampdoria who is 4th. Napoli hasn’t celebrated in Serie A since their win against Juventus on October 31st. Since then, they only scored 2 goals in all competitions and one of those was against Cittadella in the Italian cup. Napoli will probably be without their Argentinean striker Ezequiel Lavezzi, while Paolo Cannavaro is doubtful due to injury. Defender Matteo Contini is suspended for this match.
Tough in the midfield
Bari represents one of the surprises this season and above all expectations they’re currently fighting for one of the spots that could take them to Europe next season. Bari is currently 8th with 21 points, with only 2 points behind the places that take to Europa league. Bari’s success is mostly based on their well-organized defense. They conceded only 11 goals in the previous part of the championship and together with Inter, that’s the best record in the league. They haven’t scored too many goals either, but are playing really intelligent and within their limits. Bari got defeated to Roma by 3:1, but they managed to show character at the next match already, recording a 2:1 win over Siena, despite the fact the visitors first took the lead. They’re aware Napoli isn’t an easy opponent at all, but won’t be too scared since they managed to beat even stronger rivals in the previous part of the season. Bari has got a few injury concerns as Mariano Donda, Matteo Paro and Ferdinando Sforzini, together with Emanual Rivas, Salvatore Masiello and Vitali Kutuzov are all sidelined, while Massimo Donati is questionable.
The hosts have more quality
This could be a very interesting clash, but not the match full of goals. Bari possesses great defense, but the hosts undoubtedly possess great quality in the offense. If Marek Hamsik will be in a good mood to play, there’s no doubt Napoli will record a win, and their job could be even easier due to the fact the visitors will be without a few important players who are injured. Home win.
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Prediction:
Tip: 1 AH (-0.5)
Odd: 1.82
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 6 /10
Tipster: Kather
