Predicted Lineups
Napoli: [Predicted XI]
Sporting CP: [Predicted XI]
(Official lineups will be updated closer to kick-off.)
Prediction
Napoli’s dominance against Portuguese opposition and Sporting’s dreadful away record in Italy point strongly in the hosts’ favor. Conte’s men should have too much quality on the night.
Prediction: Napoli 2-0 Sporting CP.
Napoli vs Sporting CP Preview: Portuguese Sides Struggle in Naples
Napoli welcome Sporting CP to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in what promises to be a tactical battle. The Italians boast a flawless record against Portuguese opposition in the Champions League, while Sporting are desperate to prove they can finally win on Italian soil. With Antonio Conte on the touchline and both sides aiming to control their group, this clash has all the ingredients for drama.
Match Info
- Competition: UEFA Champions League
- Matchday: 2 of 8
- Date: Today
- Kick-off: 22:00 (local time)
- Venue: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples
Pre-Match Insights
- History Between the Clubs: The two previous meetings between Napoli and Sporting CP (1989-90 UEFA Cup) both ended 0-0, with Napoli advancing on penalties.
- Napoli vs Portuguese Clubs: Napoli have won all four of their Champions League matches against Portuguese teams — Benfica in 2016/17 and Braga in 2023/24.
- Sporting’s Italian Struggles: Sporting have never won away to an Italian side in Europe. Their record stands at 0W, 5D, 13L across 18 visits. Their only clean sheet came in Naples — a 0-0 draw in 1989.
- Conte vs Sporting: Napoli boss Antonio Conte has met Sporting twice before in Europe while at Tottenham (D1, L1 in 2022/23). Only against Barcelona and Real Madrid has he managed more games without a win.
- Sporting’s Fast Starts: Sporting are chasing two opening wins in the Champions League group stage for just the second time. The last time they did so was in 2022/23 under Rúben Amorim.
Things to Watch Out For
- Napoli’s perfect Champions League record vs Portuguese sides.
- Sporting’s long-standing failure to win away in Italy.
- Conte’s tactical battle with Rui Borges — can he finally crack Sporting?
Final Thoughts
Sporting arrive with ambition, but history is firmly stacked against them. Napoli’s record in this fixture and at home should carry them through comfortably.
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