Napoli will aim to close the gap at the top and keep their Serie A title hopes alive when they travel to face Cagliari on Friday evening.
Currently sitting 10 points behind leaders Inter Milan, Antonio Conte’s side no longer have control over their own destiny, but they can still mount a strong finish by winning their remaining matches and hoping both Milan clubs drop points along the way.
Cagliari, meanwhile, are 15th in the table with 30 points from 29 matches, sitting six points clear of the relegation zone, although they cannot afford to ease off as they continue their fight for top-flight survival.
Read our Cagliari vs Napoli prediction, preview and betting tips. You can also check out our Today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
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Cagliari vs Napoli key stats
- Napoli have won their last three matches.
- Cagliari are without a win in their last six matches.
- Each of the last seven of Cagliari's games has produced fewer than 11 corners.
Cagliari vs Napoli preview: Visitors to maintain winning run?
| Cagliari | vs | Napoli |
|---|---|---|
| 15th | Position | 3rd |
| 30 | Points | 59 |
| 31 | Goals For | 45 |
| 41 | Goals Against | 30 |
| 6 | Clean Sheets | 9 |
| 14th | Home Rank | 2nd |
| 15th | Away Rank | 5th |
The resurgence shown by Cagliari in mid-January, when they won three consecutive matches, has quickly given way to renewed relegation concerns following a poor run of form that includes four defeats and two draws from their last six games.
The Sardinian side have a dismal record against Napoli, losing 20 and winning just one of their last 29 top-flight meetings, and face an uphill task heading into this Serie A clash.
Cagliari have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 meetings against Napoli.
Fabio Pisacane’s side come into the game on the back of two successive defeats, while their defence has struggled to inspire confidence, having conceded 41 goals this season.
Although they currently hold a six-point cushion above the relegation zone, that margin offers only limited breathing space, and they risk being dragged into the battle if results do not improve soon.
With their backs against the wall, Napoli have sparked a fightback, but questions remain over whether they have left it too late to mount a serious Serie A title challenge.
Consecutive wins over Hellas Verona, Torino and Lecce have injected renewed belief into their campaign, with a top-two finish now firmly within reach.
Fewer than five cards were produced in four of the last five meetings between the two sides.
With several players returning from injury, the Naples club appear to have the depth and quality to secure a fourth successive win for the first time this season.
Although Napoli have already lost six away matches in the league this term, their unbeaten run against Cagliari in the last 11 meetings suggests confidence will not be in short supply.
Cagliari vs Napoli form guide & betting tips
| Cagliari | vs | Napoli |
|---|---|---|
| L-D-D-L-L | League Form | D-L-W-W-W |
| 2 | Points | 10 |
| 19th | Form Table | 5th |
| 3 | Goals For | 9 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 7 |
| L-D-D-L-L | Form (all comps) | D-L-W-W-W |
Whispers Predicts: Cagliari 1-2 Napoli
Having won their previous four meetings, Napoli are favourites at 1.62 to claim all three points against Cagliari.
There have been at least three goals in each of Napoli’s last five matches, all of which ended in 2-1 scorelines, making Over 2.5 goals at 2.3 an appealing option.
Napoli have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 games. Additionally, both teams have scored in each of Napoli’s last nine matches, making BTTS – Yes at 2.3 a strong value pick.
Taking all factors into account, Napoli are expected to extend their winning run and maintain their strong record against Cagliari, although another clean sheet looks unlikely.
> Match result: Napoli at 1.62 | Likelihood: Probable
> Napoli to score first at 1.5 | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS - Yes at 2.3 | Likelihood: Possible
> Under 10.5 corners at 1.5 | Likelihood: Possible