Fiorentina vs Napoli: Preview, Prediction & Betting Picks

• Date: May 17, 2024
• Time: 2:45 PM EST
• Location: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence, Italy
• TV Channel: CBS Sports Golazo Network (check local listings or streaming options)

Right now, Fiorentina is favored to snag that last European spot. They're currently sitting in ninth place, just one point behind Napoli in eighth. A win over Fiorentina before this game would put them ahead of their opponents.

Here's the twist: Up to nine Italian teams could qualify for Europe next season! That's because Italy earned an extra spot based on their UEFA coefficient ranking. But there's another wrinkle. If Fiorentina wins the Conference League this year, they'll automatically qualify for the Europa League, bumping the ninth-place team into the Conference League.

Napoli needs a result to stay in the European hunt. They only have two games left and sit on 51 points from 36 matches. The last time these two teams met, Fiorentina won 3-1 on Napoli's home turf.

Looking back, these two teams are pretty evenly matched. In their last five meetings, they've each won twice, with one of Napoli's wins coming in the recent Italian Super Cup. Games between these two squads tend to be high-scoring affairs, averaging 2.67 goals per match. Over the last 20 meetings, Napoli has dominated with 15 wins to Fiorentina's five. The other five games ended in draws.

This is a tough one to call. Both teams need points, and the recent history suggests a close game. Fiorentina's home form is strong, but Napoli is dangerous on the road. Expect a high-scoring match with a chance for either side to take all three points.

Fiorentina 2-1 Napoli