Sassuolo welcome Napoli to the Mapei Stadium in Sunday afternoon’s early Serie A kick off with Partenopei coach Rafael Benitez, continuing to face constant speculation about his future in the post.
A 3-3 draw with Palermo midweek did nothing to ease the pressure on the Partenopei boss, who has lead his club to just one win in four Serie A matches, leaving the Serie A heavyweights in a disappointing 10th place on the Serie A table.
Sassuolo have not fared much better this season, languishing in 18th place on the table and still without their first win.
As a side with Scudetto aspirations, Napoli’s start to the season has been nothing short of underwhelming. Benitez has come under fire for a disjointed attack and numerous lapses in his defence, with the fans pointing the finger squarely at the Spanish maestro for the clubs poor start.
Napoli have scored just five goals in four matches with three of those coming against Palermo, and with the star-studded attacking lineup they possess, that is simply not good enough.
Sassuolo faces a similar dilemma after scoring just one goal in four matches, and conceding eight. They have had a shot accuracy of just 33% so far, and have created only 31 chances. When you compare it to league leaders Juventus 59 chances created, it is no wonder that I Neroverdi have struggled this season.
This match has the potential to be the turning point for Napoli, up against a side who has arguably been playing poorer than themselves.
Domenico Berardi remains suspended for another match, meaning Simone Zaza will be the most likely option of the front three, supported by Floro Flores and Nicola Sansone.
For Napoli, Jorginho remains doubtful for the game and will need to pass a fitness test, as is the case for Giandomenico Mesto. Dries Mertens is expected to start in favour of the misfiring Lorenzo Insigne.
These two sides last met on February 16 2014, with Napoli earning a 2-0 win away to Sassuolo. Lorenzo Insigne and Blerim Dzemaili were both on the scoresheet that day.
The result of this match could be crucial in terms of the future of coach Rafael Benitez. A repeat result of their last meeting could ease the pressure on the Spaniard.
Expected Starting XIs
Napoli – Rafael; Zuniga, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Gargano, Inler, Hamsik; Callejon, Mertens; Higuain
Sassuolo – Consigli, Vrsaljko, Antei, Cannavaro, Peluso, Biondini, Magnaelli, Brighi, Floro Flores, Zaza, Sansone
