Napoli vs Sporting Lisbon Preview – Champions League Group Stage

Napoli look to get their European campaign back on track when they welcome Sporting Lisbon to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday night. The Italian champions stumbled in their return to the Champions League, while Sporting arrive in Naples full of confidence after a winning start.

Match Preview

Antonio Conte’s side came crashing back to reality in Manchester after skipper Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off early on against City. Despite some fine stops from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Napoli eventually slipped to a 2-0 defeat, registering just a single effort on target all evening.

Domestically, the Partenopei have also wobbled of late – losing to Milan after a shaky defensive display. Still, Napoli boast a strong record at home in Europe and will fancy their chances of bouncing back.

Sporting, meanwhile, kicked off their Champions League run in style with a thumping 4-1 victory at home to Kairat. Francisco Trincão impressed with a brace, while new boss Rui Borges has guided his side to six wins from seven in the league. With just four goals conceded in Primeira Liga, the Lions travel with momentum and belief they can make life difficult for the Italians.

Head-to-Head

These sides last clashed way back in 1989 in the old UEFA Cup, with both legs ending goalless before Napoli advanced on penalties. Sporting have yet to taste victory on Italian soil, losing 13 of their 17 visits, though they have grown into a more dangerous European side in recent years.

Team News

Conte’s squad is stretched thin in defence, with Amir Rrahmani, Mathias Olivera and Alessandro Buongiorno all doubts. Di Lorenzo is suspended following his red card, while Romelu Lukaku remains sidelined. Rasmus Højlund could lead the line, supported by Kevin De Bruyne and Matteo Politano.

Sporting are without Daniel Bragança, Nuno Santos and Ousmane Diomande, but Rui Silva is back between the sticks. Luis Suárez – who netted for Colombia in the international break – is set to spearhead the attack, supported by Trincão, Pote Gonçalves and Chelsea-bound youngster Geovany Quenda.

Odds (Winonbetonline)

• Napoli win: 1.95

• Draw: 3.40

• Sporting win: 3.85

• Both teams to score: 1.75

Prediction

Napoli’s injury issues at the back could open the door for Sporting’s quick and fluid attack. Conte will rely heavily on his midfield to control the game, but the visitors have shown enough firepower to cause damage.

👉 Winonbetonline’s Prediction: Napoli 1-1 Sporting Lisbon