Napoli can extend their lead at the top of Serie A to an astonishing 18 points by beating Sassuolo on Friday evening. The hosts, meanwhile, head into the encounter seven points clear of the relegation zone after putting together an unbeaten run of four matches.
Indeed, after enduring a run of eight defeats in 10 league matches, Sassuolo have recovered in recent weeks to somewhat allay any fears of returning to Italy’s second tier for the first time in a decade.
Widely regarded as one of the strongest examples of a club punching above their weight since being promoted from Serie B for the first time in the club’s history in 2013, they have not come close to being relegated since finishing 17th in their maiden campaign in Italy’s top flight.
Avoiding defeat against Napoli on Friday will be one of the greatest tests that any team in elite football can have on current form, but Dionisi should take great confidence from his side’s recent wins against two high-flying teams in the table.
With a Champions League last-16 tie against Eintracht Frankfurt to look forward to next week, Napoli look forward to ending 34 years of hurt, and on current form it is impossible to rule them out of competing deep into the Champions League.
Although it may prove difficult for Spalletti and his players not to cast half an eye on their trip to Frankfurt in the Champions League on Tuesday, they should be able to move 18 points clear at the top of the table with yet another victory.
Sassuolo have hugely improved in recent weeks and will undoubtedly pose the champions problems, but they can be vulnerable defensively, which is not good news against one of Europe’s most potent attacks.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
