Napoli Eye Second Place as Injured Udinese Visit on Final Day

The curtain falls on another Serie A campaign this Sunday as Napoli welcome Udinese to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with the hosts looking to cement their second-place finish and automatic Champions League qualification.

Napoli's season has been one of consistency rather than brilliance, collecting 73 points from their 37 games to sit comfortably in second. Their recent form of WLDWL shows the kind of inconsistency that has prevented them from mounting a serious title challenge, but Antonio Conte will be pleased with securing Champions League football. Udinese, meanwhile, have enjoyed a solid campaign in 10th place with 50 points, their LWWDL form suggesting they'll be competitive visitors.

Scott McTominay has been Napoli's standout performer this season, boasting an exceptional SAM rating of 9.1 and averaging 7.2 points per game from his deep-lying midfield role. The Scottish international's six goals and three assists have provided the perfect blend of defensive solidity and attacking threat. Up front, Rasmus Højlund (SAM 8.7) has chipped in with 10 goals, while the experienced Leonardo Spinazzola (SAM 8.9) continues to impress at left-back.

For Udinese, centre-back Oumar Solet stands out with a remarkable SAM rating of 9.3, making him one of Serie A's highest-rated defenders. Arthur Atta (SAM 9.1) has been excellent at left-back, contributing two goals and three assists while averaging 6.3 points per game.

Both sides face significant injury concerns heading into this finale. Napoli will be without striker Romelu Lukaku (hip injury) and playmaker Kevin De Bruyne (eye injury), while defensive stalwart Giovanni Di Lorenzo misses out with a knee problem. Udinese's injury list is even more extensive, with key striker Keinan Davis ruled out alongside several defensive options including Alessandro Zanoli and Nicolò Bertola.

With Napoli's second place secure and Udinese safe in mid-table, this should be an entertaining end to the season. The hosts' superior depth and home advantage should see them through, but don't be surprised if the visitors make life difficult in what promises to be a fitting Serie A finale.

Prediction: Napoli 2-1 Udinese