In a critical Serie A matchup, Napoli will face off against Cremonese on Friday, April 24, at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples. As they vie for a Champions League spot, Napoli needs a victory, while Cremonese fights to stay out of the relegation zone.
Match Preview
Currently sitting third in the Serie A table with 66 points, Napoli is level with Milan but trails based on head-to-head results. The team is engaged in a tight battle with Milan and Juventus for second place and holds a three-point cushion over Juventus. However, Napoli recently stumbled, losing 0-2 to Lazio, complicating their push for European qualification. The squad will face this match without captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, key defender Amir Rrahmani, and forward David Neres due to injuries.
On the other hand, Cremonese, under the management of Marco Giampaolo, finds themselves precariously positioned in 17th place with 28 points, just above the relegation zone. The team has struggled significantly in 2026, claiming only five points from their last ten matches. They will be without Youssef Maleh, who is suspended, while experienced players Jamie Vardy and Antonio Sanabria remain sidelined with muscle injuries.
Tactical Breakdown
Napoli is set to adopt a 3-4-2-1 formation, where they will look to control possession through the flanks with the aid of Spinazzola and the creative prowess of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Conversely, Cremonese will implement a defensive 5-3-2 setup, aiming to solidify the midfield and exploit counter-attacking opportunities with Okereke’s speed.
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- In their last five encounters, Napoli has claimed three wins, with the other two matches ending in draws.
- Napoli has secured five victories in their last seven games, with their only defeat being against Lazio (0-2), although they’ve conceded in five of these matches.
- Cremonese has achieved just one victory in their last 19 outings, conceding in 14 of these matches.