As the sun sets on Naples this Friday, Napoli host US Cremonese in a Serie A clash that could shape the season's final stretch. Napoli, sitting pretty in third with 66 points, aren't messing around in their push for Champions League spots. And they've got the recent results to back it up.
Take their last five games: a tough 0-2 loss to Lazio on April 18, but before that, a gritty 1-1 draw with Parma, a solid 1-0 win over AC Milan on April 6, another victory against Cagliari, and a 2-1 triumph over Lecce. That's a team finding ways to grind out points, even when things get sticky. Cremonese, though, are in a darker spot at 17th with just 28 points. Their form screams trouble: a 0-0 draw with Torino on April 19, followed by losses to Cagliari, Bologna, and a heavy 1-4 defeat to Fiorentina back in March. They managed a 2-0 win over Parma earlier, but that's been their lone bright spot lately.
History doesn't favor the visitors either. In their last meetings, Napoli dominated with a 2-0 win in December 2025, a 3-0 thrashing in February 2023, and a 4-1 rout in October 2022. That 2-2 draw in the Coppa Italia back in January 2023 is the exception, but it doesn't change the pattern. Napoli's edge is clear, and they've rarely slipped up against this opponent.
But injuries are throwing a wrench into things for both sides. Napoli will miss Romelu Lukaku due to a muscle injury, along with Antonio Vergara, Amir Rrahmani, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, and David Neres. That's a blow to their depth, yet they still boast players who can step up. Cremonese aren't faring better; Jamie Vardy's muscle issue keeps him out or doubtful, Faris Moumbagna's adductor problem has him on the fence, Youssef Maleh is suspended after a red card, and Michele Collocolo is sidelined with a hamstring injury. It leaves them vulnerable, especially in attack.
Keep an eye on Rasmus Højlund for Napoli; he's been their top scorer with around 10-14 goals this season and found the net in recent head-to-heads. Scott McTominay's in fine form too, while Matteo Politano leads in assists. Over on Cremonese's side, Federico Bonazzoli has notched seven goals, making him their main threat, though Vardy's absence might blunt their edge. This isn't a derby or anything flashy—it's about Napoli chasing top spots and Cremonese fighting to avoid the drop.
I expect Napoli to control this one. Their better league position and recent wins should see them through, even with absences. Cremonese just haven't shown enough to compete at this level lately.
That said, let's talk bets. I've got three picks based on the numbers.
Recommended Bets
Napoli to win @ 1.40 — They've won four of the last five head-to-heads and are in a stronger form groove.
Over 1.5 goals @ 1.60 — Napoli's games often feature scores, with Højlund leading the charge in their attacks.
Rasmus Højlund to score anytime @ 2.00 — As their top scorer, he's hit the net regularly, including in past meetings against Cremonese.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
HOME_PLAYER: Rasmus Højlund HOME_LOOK: not found in search AWAY_PLAYER: Federico Bonazzoli AWAY_LOOK: not found in search
