The 2025–26 Serie A season continues its festive schedule today, Sunday, December 28, 2025, as Cremonese host the newly crowned Supercoppa Italiana champions, Napoli, at the Stadio Giovanni Zini.
Napoli enters this match in high spirits after securing the first silverware of the season in Saudi Arabia earlier this week. However, they face a resilient Cremonese side that has comfortably settled into mid-table and is looking to end 2024 with a historic upset against the reigning champions.
Match Details
Competition: Serie A (Matchday 17)
Kick-off: 15:00 CET / 14:00 GMT / 09:00 AM ET
Venue: Stadio Giovanni Zini, Cremona
Broadcast: Paramount+ (US) / DAZN (Italy)
Current Form: Champions' Party vs. Mid-Table Grit
Napoli: The Supercoppa Bounce
Under Antonio Conte, Napoli has been a domestic juggernaut in 2025. They currently sit 3rd in Serie A (31 points), just two points off the summit. Their midweek 2-0 victory over Bologna in the Supercoppa final highlighted their defensive discipline, but a mounting injury list is beginning to test the depth of Conte's squad as they return to league action.
Cremonese: Safe and Sound
The "Grigiorossi" are enjoying a dream return to the top flight under Davide Nicola. Sitting in 11th place (21 points), they are far removed from the relegation scrap. Their recent 0-0 draw at Lazio showcased a defensive organization that has become their hallmark. If they win today, it would mark the first time in 30 years that the club has won back-to-back home matches in Serie A.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Napoli Team News: A Midfield Crisis
Despite their success, Napoli arrives in Cremona severely depleted.
Out: Kevin De Bruyne (Thigh), Frank Anguissa (Hamstring), Billy Gilmour (Groin), and Alex Meret (Hand).
Striker Watch: Romelu Lukaku is back in the squad after four months out but is only fit for the bench. Rasmus Højlund will lead the line.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus; Politano, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola; Neres, Elmas; Højlund.
Cremonese Team News: The Vardy Factor
Cremonese's marquee summer signing, Jamie Vardy, has been a revelation in Italy, scoring four goals since arriving on a free transfer.
Out: Federico Ceccherini (Suspended), Michele Collocolo (Groin).
Return: Martin Payero returns from suspension to bolster the midfield.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Audero; Terracciano, Baschirotto, Bianchetti; Barbieri, Payero, Bondo, Vandeputte, Pezzella; Vardy, Bonazzoli.
Tactical Breakdown: The High Press vs. The Counter
Conte’s Disciplined Machine
Napoli will likely dominate possession, relying on Scott McTominay—the reigning Serie A Player of the Year—to drive forward from midfield. With the creativity of David Neres (10 goal involvements since October), Napoli will look to break down Cremonese’s low block through sustained pressure and wide overloads.
Nicola’s Veteran Edge
Cremonese thrives on transitions. The pace and clinical finishing of Jamie Vardy and Federico Bonazzoli make them a nightmare for defenses that leave space behind. Expect the hosts to allow Napoli the ball, banking on Federico Baschirotto’s aerial dominance to repel crosses before launching quick vertical counters.
Head-to-Head: A Tough Road for the Hosts
History heavily favors the Partenopei in this matchup.
Recent Meetings: Napoli has won three of the last five encounters, including a 3-0 win in their most recent clash.
Away Woes: Surprisingly, Napoli has won only one of their last six league games against newly promoted opposition on the road.
Goal Stats: Cremonese has conceded two or more goals in only one of their last six league matches.
Match Prediction: A Gritty Away Win
While Cremonese is exceptionally difficult to break down at the Zini, Napoli’s "winning habit" under Conte is hard to bet against. Even with a depleted midfield, the form of David Neres and Rasmus Højlund should provide enough quality to pierce the hosts' defense, likely in the second half.
Final Score Prediction: Cremonese 0–1 Napoli
