A familiar encounter awaits in the Champions League Round of 16 on Wednesday as the reigning champions of Italy, Napoli, welcome the reigning champions of Spain, Barcelona. Both teams share a special connection through the legendary Diego Maradona, who played for both clubs during his illustrious career.
That shared connection even extends beyond Maradonna, with both sides underperforming in the group stage and facing uncertain leadership heading into this battle.
Despite claiming a first Scudetto crown in over three decades last season, Napoli has regressed, failing to mount a strong title defence and currently sit a disappointing seventh in Serie A. The Partenopei’s recent struggles were highlighted by a desperate, late goal to secure a draw against Genoa in Serie A at the weekend, leading to the dismissal of interim boss Walter Mazzarri.
Slovakia national team manager Francesco Calzona, who previously served as assistant coach to Luciano Spalletti during Napoli’s championship victory last season, has taken over as manager. He is the third manager to take the helm at Napoli this season and now shoulders the responsibility of steering the team back on course.
This lack of stability could prove pivotal against Barcelona, who have historically performed better in Champions League knockout matches against Napoli. This is the third time these teams will meet in a knockout stage in five years, with Barcelona winning the previous two encounters.
However, Napoli can draw hope from the return of their talismanic striker Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian is expected to make his first appearance since December after serving a suspension and participating in the Africa Cup of Nations. His firepower could be crucial against a Barcelona defence that hasn’t always been watertight.
Barcelona: Xavi’s Farewell Tour and Lewandowski’s Drought
Barcelona, too, enter this match under a cloud of uncertainty. Club legend Xavi, managing the team for the first time in the Champions League knockout stages, has announced his departure at the season’s end. This revelation could spur his players to give their coach a memorable send-off by winning the Champions League this season, starting with a good result at Napoli.
But for that to happen, star forward Robert Lewandowski will need to break his goal drought in the competition. Having not found the back of the net in his last four Champions League appearances, Lewandowski will be eager to avoid a repeat of a similar dry spell during his time at Bayern Munich when he went five matches without scoring between March and May 2018.
A punt on the Polish striker to end his drought on Wednesday could prove a smart wager at 2.50 odds on Betking.
Betting Tip: Both Teams to Score
21/02 21:00 Napoli – Barcelona Both Teams to Score @ 1.61 (Betking)
While both sides have their weaknesses, the attacking talent on display makes a goalscoring encounter likely. Napoli could benefit from a new manager bounce, and Osimhen’s return provides offensive impetus. At the same time, Barcelona’s potent attack, spearheaded by a determined Lewandowski, can’t be ignored. Additionally, both teams have leaky defences, further increasing the likelihood of goals at both ends.
Reasons to Bet on Both Teams Scoring:
- Historical Precedence: Past meetings between these two sides have averaged 3.38 goals per match, suggesting a likelihood of goals from both teams.
- Napoli’s Home Record: Napoli has seen over 1.5 goals in 82.61% of their home matches this season, indicating their capability to contribute to the scoreline.
- Barcelona’s Away Form: Barcelona has consistently scored on the road, with over 1.5 goals in 77.27% of their away matches, further supporting the expectation of goals from the visitors.
Therefore, we recommend betting on Both Teams to Score (GG) on Betking at 1.61 odds.
Napoli vs Barcelona - Both Teams to Score @ 1.61
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