Fabio Cannavaro, the new Udinese manager, is in for a memorable match as he faces Napoli, the club of his youth. Cannavaro, a 2006 World Cup champion, led his team to a crucial draw against Bologna (1-1) last time out. However, the Bianconeri still find themselves in a precarious position, trailing the safety zone by two points. With only four Serie A fixtures remaining, the task ahead looms large for the manager.

The Stadio Friuli hasn’t been a fortress for Udinese this season, with just one victory recorded at home (9 draws, 7 losses). Only Salernitana, already relegated, has accumulated fewer home points than Udinese’s tally of 12 so far. The struggling side has also suffered seven defeats in nine home matches against teams in the top half of the table. This poor record was compounded in April when they conceded late, winning goals in added time against both Roma and Inter (drawing 2-1).

Napoli couldn’t hold onto their 2-1 lead in the Derby del Sole against Roma last weekend, resulting in a 2-2 draw and extending their winless run in Serie A to three matches (2 draws, 1 loss). The club now sits five points adrift of the final European spot held by Lazio before this matchday. However, the outcome of the upcoming Coppa Italia final could determine whether the ninth-placed team secures a spot in the Europa Conference League playoffs.

The visitors suffered a demoralizing defeat in their last away fixture against another relegation-threatened side, Empoli (losing 1-0). During the match, club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis left the stands at halftime. This loss adds to a concerning streak of only two wins in their last 12 away matches (3 draws, 7 losses), further complicating their pursuit of European qualification next season.

Teams news

Napoli face a few hurdles due to injuries, with Piotr Zielinski, Giacomo Raspadori, Leander Dendoncker, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sidelined for Monday’s match.

Francesco Calzona has to make some tough decisions, especially in the midfield, where he must choose between Jens Cajuste and Hamed Traore to fill Zielinski’s spot. Additionally, Jesper Lindstrom and Cyril Ngonge are vying for the left-wing position in place of Kvaratskhelia.

Leading the attack for Napoli, Victor Osimhen has been in fine form lately, scoring in his last five encounters against Udinese. With rumours swirling about a potential summer move, the Nigerian striker will be eager to add to his goal tally.

On the other side, Udinese have its own injury concerns, with Florian Thauvin, Sandi Lovric, Lautaro Giannetti, Marco Silvestri, and Gerard Deulofeu sidelined.

Adding to their challenges, Udinese will be without Nehuen Perez and Martin Payero due to one-match suspensions.

Replacing Payero in midfield, Lazar Samardzic, who has been linked with a move to Napoli, will look to make an impact. The Serbian midfielder has scored twice in his last three league outings against Napoli.

Players to watch: Lazar Samardžić scored Udinese’s solitary goal in the reverse fixture (losing 4-1). Four of his last six goals for the club have come before halftime. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen also found the net in that match and now has three goals in his last four outings, all scored after halftime.

Key stat: Napoli have trailed at halftime in their last four away matches and conceded the opening goal within the first ten minutes in their last two away fixtures.

Predicted Lineups

Udinese: Okoye; Ferreira, Bijol, Kristensen; Ehizibue, Zarraga, Walace, Samardzic, Kamara; Pereyra; Lucca

Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Jesus, Rrahmani, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Cajuste; Politano, Osimhen, Lindstrom