Saturday 15th October 2011, 7.45pm GMT
Napoli were given a boost in the lead-up to this game by the return to fitness of striker Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan missed his team’s 3-0 win at Inter two weeks ago due to an ankle injury, but he recovered in time to line out for his country during the week.
Visitors Parma were impressive in their last game, a 3-1 home win over Genoa. “Atomic Ant” Sebastian Giovinco has started the season well, and is the driving force behind the Parma attack. His side have shown fragility away from home however, and, Giovinco aside, they don’t pose much of a threat.
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| Edinson Cavani's 3 league goals this season were all scored against Milan |
I like the swagger Napoli have shown so far this season. Their front three of Hamsik, Lavezzi and Cavani are terrorising defences, while they also have quality behind them in players like Zuniga, Cannavaro and new signing Inler. Napoli beat Parma with a two-goal cushion twice last season, and I expect them to win by at least two again at the Stadio San Paolo on Saturday.
Prediction – Napoli -1 (handicap betting) – 5pts
Match odds: Napoli 1/2
Draw 14/5
Parma 11/2
Napoli -1 8/5
