Napoli Eye Title Push Against Relegated Pisa on Sunday
Second-placed visitors travel to face bottom-placed hosts in Serie A finale
Sunday's clash at the Arena Garibaldi presents a tale of two seasons as title-chasing Napoli visit rock-bottom Pisa in what promises to be a mismatch of epic proportions.
Pisa's relegation was confirmed weeks ago, and their woeful form continues with five consecutive defeats leaving them rooted to the foot of the table with just 18 points from 36 games. Their goal difference of -41 tells the story of a campaign that has gone horribly wrong from start to finish. Meanwhile, Napoli sit second on 70 points, though their recent form has been patchy with just one win in their last five outings.
For the hosts, Michel Aebischer stands out as their shining light in an otherwise dismal season. The Swiss midfielder boasts an impressive SAM rating of 92, contributing 5.6 points per game with solid defensive work from his deep-lying role. Captain Antonio Aldo Caracciolo (SAM 86) has been another rare positive, chipping in with two goals from centre-back, while striker Stefano Moreo (SAM 82) has managed six goals despite the team's struggles.
Napoli's squad depth remains impressive despite injury concerns. Scott McTominay has been their standout performer with a SAM rating of 91, contributing six goals and three assists while averaging 7.2 points per game. Rasmus Højlund leads their attack with 10 goals, supported by the experienced Leonardo Spinazzola providing width and creativity from left-back.
Injury news favours neither side particularly. Pisa will be without creative midfielder Mattéo Tramoni due to a muscle problem, while they're also missing several defenders through suspension and injury. Napoli face their own issues with Romelu Lukaku sidelined with a hip injury and Kevin De Bruyne out with an eye problem, though their squad depth should cope.
With Pisa already relegated and Napoli needing points to cement second place, expect the visitors to control proceedings from the first whistle. The quality gap between these sides is enormous, and Napoli should secure a comfortable victory to maintain their title race momentum heading into the final day.