Napoli, the highest scorers in this season’s Europa League group stages, can make sure of their place in the round of 32 with a win over Midtjylland on Thursday.
Having won all three of their games so far in convincing fashion, a repeat performance of their 4-1 thrashing of the Danes away from homewould see them reach the knockout stages of a competition they reached the final four in last season.
As well as being the Europa League’s best team in front of goal, averaging 3.67 goals per game, Napoli also have the meanest defence. Along with PAOK, they are the only teams so have let in a solitary goal in over 280 minutes of action so far.
The Partenopei, one of only three teams to have a 100 percent record in the tournament, will top the group with a win and will qualify even if they fail to pick up the three points, provided the game between Club Brugge and Legia Warsaw ends in a draw.
Injuries and Suspensions
As has so often been the case with the Azzurri in this season’s competition, Maurizio Sarri will use the match as a chance to shuffle his pack somewhat, ahead of Sunday’s Serie A fixture against Udinese.
The former Empoli coach will not risk Dries Mertens against the Danes after he strained his right thigh in their 0-0 draw away to Genoa last weekend.
Allan is set to be the only other absentee as the hard-working Brazilian will be rested for the fixture and replaced in midfield by David Lopez.
History
Napoli’s 4-1 win in Denmark was the only previous meeting of the sides in any fixture and was the Italian side’s second win against opposition from the Scandinavian nation.
In 1966, they eliminated Odense from the Fairs Cup, while in their meeting with Midtjylland two weeks ago, it was only the second time the Danes have conceded four goals at home in Europe.
Midtjylland will be boosted by their good away form on the road though, having scored in their last 10 European games, which have yielded seven victories and only two defeats but Napoli are unbeaten in their last 14 home matches in continental competition with 10 wins and four draws.
Player to Watch: Manolo Gabbiadini
The former Sampdoria forward will likely get another chance to impress against the Ulvene, as he did in the first leg.
He has found opportunities hard to come by this season and there is speculation that he could choose to leave in an attempt to find first team football in January but he was at the top of his game in Dermark, scoring his first two goals in Europe.
nguon: gazzettaworld.gazzetta
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