Serie A: Napoli Have More to Fight for After Failed Scudetto Defence

Napoli vs Torino

Napoli are likely to lose out on the Serie A title this season, as they’re far off from frontrunners Inter Milan. The Partenopei are currently third in the Italian top-flight standings with 53 points, 14 points adrift of Inter Milan and four points adrift of second-seeded AC Milan.

With them also bowing out of the Coppa Italia and Champions League, all that’s left for Napoli (after winning the Supercoppa Italiana last December) is securing a Top 4 berth to return to the Champions League next season. Antonio Conte’s side recently ended their two-game winless run with a 2-1 road victory against Hellas Verona, and they’re keen to make it two in a row when they host Torino at the Diego Maradona Stadium later.

Torino are 14th in the table with 30 points. They recently changed head coaches, which resulted in a 2-0 upset of Lazio last weekend.

 

Talking Points

Hojlund and Lukaku aim to score more for Napoli

Napoli’s attacking corps took the spotlight in their latest win over Hellas Verona, as Rasmus Hojlund and Romelu Lukaku scored one goal each. Hojlund opened the scoring in the second minute with a looping header. And with the game level at 1-1, Lukaku came to the rescue with his clinical effort after a cross from Giovane.

Lukaku fought back tears when he scored on the final kick of the match, as he finally ended his goal drought. His last goal was in May 2024, as the Belgian striker endured his father’s passing and a serious thigh injury that kept him out for weeks. By breaking his duck, Lukaku handed Napoli their first win in their last four matches across all competitions.

Despite Lukaku’s late heroics, Hojlund – the Partenopei’s leading scorer – should get the starting nod at the No. 9 against Torino. The former Manchester United man needs only one goal to hit double figures in Italy this term. However, head coach Antonio Conte could bring Lukaku off the bench if necessary, and the 32-year-old has previously recorded nine goal involvements against Il Toro.

Napoli have had some rare good news on the injury front, as midfielders Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Anguissa, and Scott McTominay are back in full training.

 

Torino have a full squad available

Facing a fight to retain their top-flight status, Torino replaced Marco Baroni with Roberto D’Aversa, and the latter won his first game at the head coaching helm, as Giovanni Simeone and Duvan Zapata were on the scoresheet. The victory has put them six points above the drop zone, and D’Aversa is bidding to become the first Torino manager to win his opening two Serie A games since 1981.

Fortunately for D’Aversa, he’ll likely have his whole squad available, unlike Napoli. Tino Anjorin and Che Adams are 100-per cent fit, while Emirhan Ilkhan is done with his suspension, leaving Zakaria Aboukhlal as the only one questionable to play later.

 

History

Torino notched a 1-0 upset win over Napoli in their first league encounter last October, as Giovanni Simeone (ironically a Napoli loanee) scored the only goal of the match in the 32nd minute despite Napoli having more of the ball and shot attempts. That was just the Partenopei’s second defeat against Il Toro in the past 21 games (W14, D5). Torino are bidding for their second straight win over Napoli for the first time since May 2009, but they have not notched back-to-back league victories since Christmas Day (W3, D1, L7).

Despite their inconsistencies recently, Napoli remain the only Serie A club undefeated at home this season. But three draws over the last five (W2) suggest they haven’t been at their best at the Diego Maradona Stadium.

 

Betting Tip

The Serie A 2026 odds expect Napoli to avenge their earlier defeat against Torino later. The Partenopei are 1.62 favourites to claim maximum points, whereas Il Toro are huge 5.40 underdogs, and a draw is at 3.58 in the 1X2 market.

Napoli may have been vulnerable in recent weeks due to injuries, but they should still have enough quality to see this through, although Serie A 2026 highlights could only come a few and far between. Besides going for a Napoli victory, SBOTOP punters may also want to add Under 2.50 at 1.68, Under 2.25 at 1.89, and Total Goals 2-3 at 1.89 to the parlay.

However, if you fancy Torino’s chances of scoring another upset, check out the Correct Score of 1-0 in their favour – the result of their previous encounter – given its staggering 12.50 offer.

   

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