Napoli vs Osasuna: prediction and odds

Napoli kick off their pre-season campaign in Castel di Sangro against Osasuna, a side that endured a miserable La Liga campaign last term. However, it is worth noting that in their previous nine meetings with Spanish clubs, the Partenopei have managed just a single victory in regular time.

Allegri Imposes His Style

Despite persistent squad issues caused by injuries to key performers, Napoli finished last season in second place and secured Champions League qualification. Nevertheless, Antonio Conte left the club of his own accord, and Massimiliano Allegri now takes the reins. Under the new boss, the Neapolitans have already played two friendlies against Serie B opposition. After a surprising defeat to Arezzo (1:3), a routine 2:0 victory over Carrarese followed.

In that second match, Napoli’s football looked far more like the familiar Allegri style: compactness between the lines, strict positional defending, provoking opponent errors, and maximum verticality in attack. The southerners’ base formation appears to be a 4-3-3, with last season’s breakthrough star Antonio Vergara—capable of playing in several positions—and centre-forward Rasmus Højlund, who bulldozes opposition defences, standing out as the best fits.

Aside from Mattia Esposito, signed clearly not for the starting XI, no new arrivals have appeared in Naples yet. But one change to the starting lineup compared to the previous friendly seems inevitable. Vergara, mentioned above, could not finish the match against Carrarese due to an injury, and he is likely to be replaced in midfield by Scott McTominay, who has returned from holiday. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, meanwhile, are still resting. Moreover, in the near future, they may even leave the club altogether, moving to MLS.

Impressive Results Under the New Coach

For six years, Osasuna consistently finished in the middle of the La Liga table, but last season the Pamplona side narrowly escaped relegation, ending the championship in 17th place. Unsurprisingly, Alessio Lisci left the team, and another head coach now takes charge. Under Luis Miguel Ramis, the Spaniards have played three pre-season friendlies this summer and won all of them, defeating Racing (2:0), Ipswich (2:1), and Norwich (2:1).

Under Ramis, the “Rojillos” look to press high up the pitch on the opponent’s half, provoking defensive errors during the initial build-up phase. At the same time, the Pamplona side confidently reshapes during the match, working equally effectively both from a position of strength and in a second-gear approach when launching quick vertical counter-attacks.

The new boss is actively rotating his squad. Alongside established leaders (Herrera, Catena, Torró, Moncayola), young academy products and reserves (Auria, Moro, and Iker Muñoz) are putting in quality performances. The only summer signing, Jonathan Dubasin from Sporting Gijón, will make his debut only in the upcoming fixture. However, he is hardly capable of replacing Víctor Muñoz, who departed for Liverpool.

Predicted Lineups for Napoli – Osasuna

Napoli (4-3-3): Meret – Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Marianucci, Spinazzola – Zambo Anguissa, Lobotka, McTominay – Politano, Højlund, Giovane

Unavailable: Gilmour, Buongiorno, Béké, Lucca, Gutiérrez (all injured), Lukaku, De Bruyne (both out of the squad), Vergara (doubtful)

Head coach: Massimiliano Allegri

Osasuna (4-4-1-1): Herrera – Boyomo, Catena, Herrando, Bretones – Barja, Torró, Moncayola, Dubasin – Moro – Budimir

Unavailable: Rozier (injured)

Head coach: Luis Miguel Ramis

Prediction and Bet on Napoli – Osasuna: Osasuna Handicap (+1.5)

Main prediction: Napoli hold a clear advantage in individual quality, but at this stage of preparation, Osasuna look no worse than the second team of Italy. The Pamplona side have won all three of their summer friendlies and are fully capable of shutting up shop competently against the Neapolitans. Massimiliano Allegri’s teams have never been known for strong positional attacking play or for developing a lead, so a rout is not expected here. The best betting choice appears to be Osasuna’s handicap (+1.5).

Prediction on goals: The attacking potential of the nominal visitors should not be underestimated either. In each of their three friendlies under Luis Miguel Ramis, Osasuna have found the net twice. The return from holiday of Ante Budimir, the team’s top scorer last season, will also help the Pamplona side. Napoli, for their part, have also scored in their previous five matches, including both summer friendlies. Therefore, as another option, both teams to score – yes can be considered.