Napoli is gearing up for a pivotal clash against Venezia as they look to close out 2024 with style and possibly reclaim the top spot in Serie A. Scheduled for December 29, 2024, the much-anticipated match kicks off at 15:00 CET (14:00 GMT) at the iconic Stadio Maradona in Naples. Currently sitting second with 38 points, just two points shy of leaders Atalanta, Napoli’s head coach Antonio Conte understands the importance of this game as they seek to join Atalanta at the summit of the table.
The stakes are high for both squads; Napoli aims to bolster their title aspirations, whereas Venezia finds themselves at the bottom of the league, fighting to escape relegation. A win for Napoli could propel them to joint leadership, especially with Atalanta facing off against Lazio just before Napoli’s match.
Napoli is expected to field its strongest lineup as they look to bounce back from recent inconsistencies. After experiencing mixed results over their last three Serie A matches, including two losses at home, the Partenopei aims for their third consecutive victory against struggling Venezia, who have not won away from home this season.
One of the highlights for Napoli is the return of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after he recovered from a minor ligament injury. According to the Corriere dello Sport, he is favored to start on the left wing of the 4-3-3 formation, joining forces with new signing Romelu Lukaku and David Neres, who has gained notable attention. Other notable players include Scott McTominay, André-Franck Zambo Anguissa, and Stanislav Lobotka forming the central midfield, as they look to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities.
On the other side, Venezia will be entering the match without several key players including Sagrado, Svoboda, Duncan, Doumbia, and Raimondo. Their coach has limited options, which could hinder their effectiveness against Napoli’s attack. Candela is also expected to take the starting role over Andersen, forming part of the three-man defensive line.
Contemplations of victory, though, are not leading Napoli to underestimate their opponents. Conte, known for his tactical acumen, remarked in his last press conference, "We hope to close out 2024 with some more joy for the fans, for ourselves, to celebrate New Year's Eve in style." The Naples-based squad clearly carries pressure to perform and satisfy their loyal supporters, especially at home.
Conte stressed the importance of taking Venezia seriously, stating: "Everyone is thinking of an easy victory just because Venezia are second to last, but if we see the home games of Juve and Inter [against Venezia] we should at least be worried." His comments reinforce the mindset Napoli must adopt, treating every match as though it is one of fierce contention.
Despite the worrying trend of two home losses recently, Napoli can reflect on their impressive overall performance this season after winning six home matches—equaling their total from the entire previous season. They lost their way under several coaches last season, finishing just 10th. The current momentum under Conte’s leadership is indicative of their potential, and the expectation is palpable as they step onto the pitch.
For Venezia, every point is gold as they hover perilously close to relegation. Currently sitting at 19th place with only 13 points, they need to break their long-standing streak of away games without victory—a total of 12 losses and four draws from their last 16. Their current situation tests their resilience, and securing even one point could provide them with the boost necessary to revive their season.
Napoli’s decisive farewell to 2024 will be more than just about three points; it extends to the ethos of ambition and the aspiration to celebrate success over challenges. With both teams vying for their respective goals, expect this encounter to be not just another match, but one filled with passion and determination as they usher in the new year. Football at its finest awaits as Napoli hosts Venezia, fueling hopes for their devoted fans and aspirations of escaping the depths of despair.