FC Copenhagen will take on Napoli in the UEFA Champions League at Parken Stadium on Tuesday, with the home team looking to pull off an upset against the Italian giants.
Copenhagen arrive at this European clash with momentum firmly on their side after recording successive 3-2 wins over Villarreal, a run that has lifted them into the top 24.
Match sharpness is the main concern, however, as the Danish champions have not featured in a competitive fixture since mid-December, when they eased past Esbjerg 2-0 in the cup.
Two January warm-up friendlies ended level, but a strong end to 2025, highlighted by five wins from seven competitive matches and four victories in their final five home games, suggests they remain a dangerous proposition at Parken.
Napoli’s European campaign has been far less convincing, leaving their progression in doubt. While they have avoided defeat in all three Champions League matches at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, their struggles away from home have been stark.
The Partenopei have lost their last five Champions League games on the road, conceding heavily along the way, including all three away fixtures this season.
A narrow 1-0 league win over Sassuolo at the weekend at least restored some confidence and halted a run of domestic draws, extending an overall unbeaten sequence to eight matches.
Read our Copenhagen vs Napoli predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other UEFA Champions League predictions.
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Copenhagen vs Napoli prediction: Visitors to nick a narrow win
Key statistics
- The Partenopei have not lost their last three away games in the Serie A
- Napoli are unbeaten in their last five game in the Serie A.
- Both teams have played BTTS in at least four of their last five games.
Correct score prediction: Copenhagen 1-2 Napoli
Ahead of this clash, we expect the away team to edge a tight contest. We predict a 1-2 victory for Napoli based on their superior attacking quality and recent competitive sharpness compared to Copenhagen’s interrupted winter schedule.
The Italians have shown they can grind out results and their recent goal-scoring form against top Serie A opposition suggests they will have too much firepower for the Danish host. Although Copenhagen are strong at Parken, we believe Napoli’s experience will see them through.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Napoli strong favourites
- Home: 3/1 (4.00) – 25.0%
- Draw: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- Away: 17/20 (1.85) – 54.1%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
Heading into this fixture, the bookmakers favour Napoli at 1.85, implying a 54.1% chance of an away victory. Copenhagen are priced at 4.00 (25.0%) to pull off an upset at home, while the draw is available at 3.50 (28.6%). The odds suggest Napoli enter as clear favourites, though Copenhagen could still make it a competitive encounter.
Most recent head-to-head: A fresh European encounter
This upcoming clash will mark the first competitive meeting between these two sides in recent history, meaning there are no previous head-to-head records to analyse.
Both teams will be stepping into the unknown on Tuesday, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this Champions League fixture as they look to establish dominance in their first-ever duel.
After reviewing our key Copenhagen vs Napoli predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Copenhagen preview: Minor absences for the host
Copenhagen have relatively few selection issues ahead of this fixture, with Rodrigo Huescas and Magnus Mattsson both ruled out due to knee injuries. Aside from those setbacks, the head coach has the luxury of an almost fully fit squad to call upon.
However, Costa Rica international Kenay Myrie will not be an option, as recent signings are ineligible until after the league phase. Despite those limitations, Copenhagen still boast plenty of depth and continuity across the pitch.
Predicted lineup: Kotarski (GK), Zague, Pereira, Suzuki, Lopez, Madsen, Clem, Larsson, Elyounoussi, Achouri & Dadason
Last five fixtures
- 14.01.26 – Sturm Graz 4–4 FC Copenhagen
- 10.01.26 – Brann 1–1 FC Copenhagen
- 13.12.25 – FC Copenhagen 2–0 Esbjerg
- 10.12.25 – Villarreal 2–3 FC Copenhagen
- 07.12.25 – FC Copenhagen 0–2 Sonderjyske
Napoli preview: Injury concerns deepen
Napoli’s list of unavailable players continues to lengthen after Matteo Politano and Amir Rrahmani were both forced off with muscle issues at the weekend, putting their involvement here in serious doubt.
They are already without a key trio in midfield, as Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Anguissa and Billy Gilmour remain sidelined, while goalkeeper Alex Meret and last season’s leading scorer, Romelu Lukaku, are also unavailable.
There are additional fitness worries too, with David Neres not fully fit and Eljif Elmas struggling after reporting dizziness following a recent illness, leaving Napoli with multiple late decisions to make ahead of kickoff.
Predicted lineup: Milinkovic-Savic (GK), Beukema, Juan Jesus, Buongiorno, Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola, Elmas, Noa Lang & Hojlund
Last five fixtures
- 17.01.26 – Napoli 1–0 Sassuolo
- 14.01.26 – Napoli 0–0 Parma
- 11.01.26 – Inter 2–2 Napoli
- 07.01.26 – Napoli 2–2 Verona
- 04.01.26 – Lazio 0–2 Napoli
Player to watch: Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund has been Napoli’s main attacking outlet this season and sits at the top of their scoring charts. With six league goals and two assists to his name, he has been central to most of their best moments going forward.
His sharp movement and awareness around the box regularly cause problems for defenders, making him the player Sassuolo will be most concerned about. If Napoli manage to score, Hojlund is likely to be at the heart of it.