Three days after a commanding cup triumph in Rome, Lazio will face Serie A title rivals Napoli once again on Sunday, this time at Stadio Maradona.

The Aquile soared into the Coppa Italia quarter-finals with a decisive win over the Partenopei on home turf, and they now aim to replicate that success in Naples. Napoli suffered a fourth consecutive exit at the last-16 stage of the cup on Thursday evening, falling 3-1 to a Lazio side that also squandered an early penalty. Antonio Conte fielded an entirely different starting XI compared to last week’s league victory over Torino – a match that marked their second successive win since the international break – and paid the price for it. Now free from European commitments, Napoli’s full focus is on reclaiming the Scudetto next spring, having started Conte’s inaugural campaign strongly. Despite conceding three goals at Stadio Olimpico with an experimental backline, Napoli have kept nine clean sheets in Serie A this season – plus two in the Coppa Italia – a defensive solidity that has allowed their attackers to flourish. As one of seven teams competing for the title in an exhilarating race, Napoli aims to maintain their advantage over a close rival. A loss to Lazio would bring the visitors within a single point.

Historically, Napoli have fared well against Lazio at home, averaging nearly three goals per game and winning eight of their last 12 encounters. However, the Partenopei have lost the last two meetings in Naples. In addition to their cup triumph – powered by Tijjani Noslin’s hat-trick, which set up a quarter-final clash with Inter Milan or Udinese – Lazio are unbeaten in three Serie A games against Napoli, following a prior run of four straight defeats. Currently just outside Italy’s top four, Lazio enters the match after their first defeat since October. Three days after their Europa League draw with Ludogorets ended a lengthy winning streak, the Rome-based club was undone by Parma at Stadio Tardini. Two disallowed goals, a penalty overturned, and Taty Castellanos’ solitary strike culminated in a 3-1 loss. That setback snapped a run of five consecutive Serie A victories under Marco Baroni, but the Biancocelesti remain firmly in contention near the summit of the standings. Lazio also leads their Europa League group, undefeated through five matches. A victory over Ajax next week would bolster their chances of advancing in UEFA’s second-tier competition.

However, all four of Lazio’s domestic losses have come on the road, highlighting the challenge of defeating top sides away from Rome – a hurdle they must overcome to solidify their credentials. Napoli will welcome back key players who were rested for Thursday’s cup defeat, including Romelu Lukaku, Stanislav Lobotka, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, likely relegating Giovanni Simeone to the bench. Despite this, Simeone boasts an excellent record against his father Diego Simeone’s former club, having scored eight goals in 14 league games against Lazio – more than any other active player. Conte has a nearly full squad at his disposal, with only Pasquale Mazzocchi sidelined through injury. Meanwhile, Lazio will miss left-back Nuno Tavares, midfielder Matias Vecino, and the suspended Nicolo Rovella. Striker Boulaye Dia is also a doubt due to an ankle issue. Marco Baroni is expected to bench hat-trick hero Tijjani Noslin and cup goalkeeper Christos Mandas, with Ivan Provedel, Matteo Guendouzi, and Taty Castellanos among those set to return. Lazio’s inconsistent away form has been a significant obstacle in keeping pace with Napoli this season, a factor that could hinder their chances at Stadio Maradona.

Nonetheless, both teams have demonstrated a penchant for dramatic finishes, having each scored four goals during second-half stoppage time this season, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling finale.

Best Tip: Napoli win or draw

Correct score: 2-1