Parma vs Napoli

With the Serie A title race potentially reaching a thrilling climax, the second-to-last matchday sees league leaders Napoli travel to face relegation-battling Parma on Sunday evening.

The Partenopei are chasing their second Scudetto in three years, but a stumble last week left them only one point ahead of defending champions Inter Milan. Meanwhile, a victory at Stadio Tardini would secure safety for the home side.

Aiming to edge closer to the championship, Napoli hosted mid-table Genoa at Stadio Maradona last weekend, shortly after their closest rivals, Inter, had caught up on points with a win over Torino.

The Partenopei had previously reeled off four consecutive victories, all without conceding, as they surged toward the title. However, despite Romelu Lukaku and Giacomo Raspadori giving them the lead twice, they unexpectedly allowed a late goal, settling for a draw.

Manager Antonio Conte, who is striving to win the Scudetto with a third different club after successes with Juventus and Inter, was visibly shaken at the final whistle, though his side still holds a one-point lead in the race.

Rumored to be a target for Juventus or AC Milan in the summer, Conte’s time in Naples may last just one season, but securing maximum points against Parma and at home against Cagliari would ensure a triumphant conclusion.

Despite their recent setback, Napoli remain in control of their fate. Even if they draw once and Inter win both remaining games, a playoff for the title would decide the outcome.

Having won their last two away matches without conceding, Napoli now head to Emilia-Romagna, aware that a victory coupled with an Inter defeat to in-form Como would clinch the championship.

However, Napoli will not underestimate Parma, given their remarkably close head-to-head record at the Tardini. Over the last 14 top-flight encounters there, both teams have claimed six victories, with Parma scoring 21 goals and Napoli 20.

Additionally, Parma are fighting to stay in Serie A after a 2-1 defeat to struggling Empoli last week, where a first-half red card to Lautaro Valenti proved decisive.

Just as survival seemed within reach, Parma have suffered consecutive losses, having only lost once in their first nine games under Cristian Chivu.

Still, sitting four points above the relegation zone with two games left, last season’s Serie B winners are well-positioned to avoid an immediate return to the second tier.

Parma have been formidable at home, defeating Lazio, Bologna, and Juventus at the Tardini this season, while also battling back to draw 2-2 with Inter. Another upset on Sunday could guarantee their Serie A survival.