Stadio Diego Armando Maradona is the venue for Napoli versus Union Berlin this week, with the hosts looking to overcome their German opponent for the second time this group stage. The first meeting ended in a 1-0 win for the Italian outfit, but neither side displayed much attacking intent.
Napoli
Prior to match day 1 of the 2023/24 Champions League, Gli Azzuri were predicted to make it out of Group C in second place behind Real Madrid. As of right now, that is exactly where they sit after picking up six points from three matches. Napoli have defeated Union Berlin and Braga on the road, with their only defeat coming against Los Blancos. Rudi Garcia's side have netted five times, whilst conceding four and keeping one clean sheet.
The Serie A champions have been unable to defend their title with conviction thus far, as they sit in fourth place after 11 matches. Napoli boast the second best record in the final third, scoring 2.18 goals per game on average and overall, they are strong at the back with a record of 12 goals conceded. However, eight of the twelve goals I Patenopei have conceded, occurred at home and that equates to an average of 1.6 goals suffered per game, the fourth worst home defensive record in the Serie A.
Union Berlin
Urs Fischer's side have struggled to adapt to life in the most elite club football competition and after three matches, they sit bottom of Group C. All of their games have ended in defeat, with their main issue coming in the final third, as Union Berlin have netted in only one game. Their goals scored tally stands at two, but they have proved to be a difficult team to break down, only losing by one goal to Real Madrid and Napoli. It seems set that their Champions League campaign will not continue into the knockouts.
Unfortunately for Union Berlin, performances have also been abysmal in the Bundesliga and they sit in 16th, one point above bottom of the table. Die Eisernen won their first three domestic matches and even scored four goals in each game, but since then they have lost their last 12 matches in all competitions. Fischer must find a solution in the attacking third however, as his team have the second fewest goals scored on 11, and as mentioned eight of those came in the first two weeks.
Verdict?
Based on form, Napoli should win this game with ease and it is difficult to see anything other than that. Union Berlin will look to frustrate the hosts and use the pace of Sheraldo Becker on the counter attack, but the Italian side have plenty of creativity in the squad to breach their opponent.
The final prediction is Napoli 2-0 Union Berlin.
