Napoli vs. Cagliari Tips and Odds – 23/05/2025

• Date: Friday, 23 May 2025
• Venue: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples
• Fixture: Napoli vs Cagliari (Serie A, Matchday 38)

Match Preview

Napoli stand on the brink of Serie A glory as they host Cagliari in the final round of the 2024/25 season. Antonio Conte’s men are top of the table, just a point ahead of Inter Milan, and know that victory will guarantee them their fourth Scudetto. The atmosphere in Naples is expected to be electric, with the city ready to erupt if their team gets over the line. Napoli’s recent form has been steady rather than spectacular, with a string of hard-fought results: a 0-0 draw away at Parma last time out, preceded by a 2-2 home draw with Genoa, and three consecutive wins before that against Lecce (1-0 away), Torino (2-0 home), and Monza (1-0 away).

Cagliari, meanwhile, arrive in Naples with their Serie A safety already secured. Under Davide Nicola, the Sardinians have pulled off another successful relegation escape, highlighted by a stylish 3-0 win over Venezia in their last outing. However, their form leading up to that victory has been inconsistent, with losses to Como and Udinese, and a win at Verona sandwiched in between. Cagliari’s away record this season has been poor, with just five wins in their last 37 away league games, and they have struggled to score consistently on the road.

Team news is a significant factor for both sides. Napoli will be without key midfielder Stanislav Lobotka (ankle injury), as well as defenders Alessandro Buongiorno and Juan Jesus, both sidelined. This leaves Conte with limited options at the back, but he can still call upon the likes of Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, and Mathias Olivera. In midfield, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Scott McTominay are expected to anchor the side, with Giacomo Raspadori and Matteo Politano providing creativity behind top scorer Romelu Lukaku. Cagliari are missing striker Leonardo Pavoletti (suspended), while Zito Luvumbo is a doubt due to injury. The visitors are likely to rely on Roberto Piccoli up front, supported by Gianluca Lapadula and Nadir Zortea from wide areas.

Historically, Napoli have dominated this fixture, winning 20 of the last 37 meetings between the sides, including a 4-0 demolition in the reverse fixture earlier this season. The Partenopei are unbeaten in their last 11 Serie A matches and have scored at least two goals in each of their last five home games. Cagliari, by contrast, have only beaten Napoli once in Serie A since 2009 and have rarely troubled the scorers at the Maradona.

With the title on the line and the home crowd behind them, Napoli are overwhelming favourites. The pressure is immense, but Conte’s teams are renowned for their ability to grind out results when it matters most. Cagliari, with nothing to play for but pride, may look to frustrate the hosts and play on the counter, but their defensive frailties and lack of firepower suggest an uphill battle. Expect Napoli to control possession, create numerous chances, and ultimately secure the win they need to be crowned champions.

Key Players

Napoli:

• Romelu Lukaku: The Belgian striker is Napoli’s top scorer with 13 league goals and will be the focal point of their attack.
• Scott McTominay: A driving force from midfield, McTominay has chipped in with 11 goals and is a threat from late runs into the box.
• André-Frank Zambo Anguissa: The Cameroonian’s energy and ball-winning ability are crucial in midfield, especially with Lobotka absent.

Cagliari:

• Roberto Piccoli: The main attacking outlet in Pavoletti’s absence, Piccoli will need to take any chances that come his way.
• Nadir Zortea: Offers attacking thrust from the flanks and will be key on the counter.

Prediction

Everything points to a Napoli win. The hosts have the title in their sights, a formidable home record, and a much stronger squad. Cagliari, safe from relegation and missing key players, are unlikely to offer much resistance. Expect Napoli to start strongly, dominate the ball, and eventually break down the visitors’ defence. A clean sheet is likely given Cagliari’s struggles in attack, and the home side should score at least twice. Predicted score: Napoli 2-0 Cagliari.

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are fractional and may vary slightly between bookmakers.

Napoli fans are on the edge of their seats, hoping to see their team lift the Scudetto on home soil. With everything in their favour, expect a party in Naples come Friday night.