Napoli vs Qarabag preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

Things are tight for Napoli in this UCL campaign as they have garnered 4 points so far and need a win to stay in the race for the knockout rounds. Qarabag, on the other hand, has surprised many. They are in 15th place with 7 points and are hoping to take another big step toward qualification.  

Napoli head into this fixture hoping to carry over the form from their recent 3-1 Serie A win over Atalanta. Under Antonio Conte, the team’s form has been a bit up and down. The Blues are 2nd on the Italian league table but 24th on the Champions League table. 

However, Conte’s men have a strong home record in Europe. They have  only lost once in their last 19 matches at the Stadio Maradona. With their passionate fans behind them, they will be pushing hard for a win.

Qarabag, led by Gurban Gurbanov, is in great shape coming into this clash. Their last five games show a strong run (3W, 2D), including a confidence-boosting 4-2 victory away from home against Sumgayit FK. 

The Azerbaijani side is tough to break down, using solid tactics and dangerous wing play. They sit three points ahead of Napoli in the group, so even a draw here would be a big step toward qualification.

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This is a historic meeting for both clubs, as this is the first time Napoli and Qarabag will face each other in a competitive match. Qarabag does not have a good record against Italian teams.  They have  played six times and have never won,  five losses and one draw.  

The home team will feel more positive and confident going into this match due to the quality of players they have. 

Napoli coach Antonio Conte is dealing with a big problem in midfield. Key player Frank Anguissa is out with a serious thigh injury. Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne are also unavailable because of similar muscle issues.

Goalkeeper Alex Meret is missing too, due to a hand injury. Conte may stick with the same setup he used in their last Serie A game, where Rasmus Højlund led the attack.

For Qarabag, manager Gurban Gurbanov is expected to stick with his usual starters. His team has had a stable lineup, with 10 players starting all their Champions League group games so far. There are no major injuries to worry about. 

Their main attacking threat, Leandro Andrade from Cape Verde, has already scored five Champions League goals this season and will play a key role again.

​Napoli (3-4-3-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Rrahmani, Beukema, Buongiorno; Di Lorenzo, McTominay, Lobotka, Olivera; Neres, Politano; Hojlund

Qarabag (4-2-3-1): Kochalski; Silva, Medina, Mustafazada, Cafarguliyev; Jankovic, Bicalho; Kady, Andrade, Zoubir; Duran

Napoli may be limping into this clash with injuries and shaky Champions League form, but do not count them out just yet. The Partenopei will be fired up to grab all three points, which you can bet on Livescorebet. 

While Qarabag will not roll over easily as they have got sharp attackers and plenty of fight, Napoli’s hunger to stay alive in the competition might just be the extra spark they need to edge a tight.

Prediction: Napoli 2-0 Qarabag

• Bet on Napoli to win

• Over 1.5 goals

• Over 7.5 corners