Napoli Need Just One Point to Secure Second Place Against Struggling Udinese

2026-05-24 community

Naples, 24 May 2026
Napoli require only a draw when they host Udinese on Sunday to guarantee second place in Serie A, sitting 13 points behind champions Inter Milan with 73 points from 37 matches. The fixture represents a stark contrast in fortunes - whilst Napoli aim to conclude their campaign positively after winning the Supercoppa Italiana, tenth-placed Udinese (50 points) are desperately seeking to surpass the 50-point milestone for the first time since 2013. History heavily favours the hosts, who remain unbeaten in their last 16 home encounters against Udinese since April 2011, recording 14 victories and two draws. However, Udinese stunned Napoli 1-0 in December’s reverse fixture, adding intrigue to this season finale at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Recent Form Tells Different Stories

Napoli enter Sunday’s encounter in impressive form, having demolished Pisa 3-0 at the Arena Garibaldi-Romeo Anconetani on 18 May 2026 [1][2]. This victory maintained their exceptional home record, where they remain unbeaten in 16 of 18 Serie A matches this season, securing 12 wins and four draws [1]. The Partenopei have demonstrated remarkable consistency at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, boasting the third-best home record in Serie A behind only Inter Milan and AS Roma [1]. Their attacking prowess has been evident throughout the campaign, netting 57 goals in 37 matches whilst conceding fewer than their visitors [2].

Historical Dominance and December Shock

The historical record overwhelmingly favours Napoli in this fixture, with comprehensive statistics revealing the extent of their dominance over Udinese. Across their previous 41 encounters, Napoli have secured 21 victories compared to Udinese’s seven wins, with 13 matches ending in draws [1]. The geographical advantage becomes even more pronounced when examining home fixtures, where Napoli boast 31 wins in 49 games at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, whilst Udinese have managed just five victories [5]. This dominance extends to recent history, with Udinese failing to secure an away victory against Napoli in their last 16 visits since April 2011, suffering 14 defeats and managing only two draws [1].

Team News and Tactical Considerations

Napoli will be without key attacking assets for Sunday’s encounter, with Romelu Lukaku sidelined due to a hip injury and David Neres remaining doubtful with a thigh strain [3][6]. However, the hosts receive a boost with Matteo Politano returning from suspension, providing additional attacking options for the season finale [6]. Scott McTominay continues to be a crucial figure, having reached double figures for league goals in both of the past two seasons [6]. The injury absences may provide opportunities for squad rotation as Napoli look to conclude their campaign on a positive note before their supporters [1].

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Serie A Italian football