Juventus vs Napoli

The Allianz Stadium in Turin prepares for a high-stakes "Derby del Sole" today, Sunday, January 25, 2026. This isn't just a battle for top-four positioning; it is a clash of philosophies between two of Italy’s most iconic managers. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 CET (17:00 GMT / 12:00 ET).

Match Information

Juventus: The Spalletti Revenge Mission

Since Luciano Spalletti took over from Igor Tudor in late October, Juventus has undergone a tactical metamorphosis. Spalletti has collected 24 points in three months—trailed only by Inter and Milan in that timeframe. However, the shadow of his Napoli past looms large, especially given the "Scudetto tattoo" on his arm that still riles up some of the Turin faithful.

Team News and Selection:

• Vlahovic Absence: The Bianconeri are without their star striker Dusan Vlahovic, who is sidelined with a major injury until March.

   

   

• The New Attack: Spalletti will rely on the dynamic duo of Jonathan David and Kenan Yildiz. David has been clinical since his arrival, while Yildiz has emerged as the creative heartbeat of the team.

   

   

• Midfield Engine: Weston McKennie and Khephren Thuram are expected to start, providing the physicality needed to counter Napoli’s robust midfield.

   

   

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, McKennie, Yildiz; David.

   

   

Napoli: Reigning Champions Under Pressure

Antonio Conte has been vocal about his frustration following a midweek 1–1 draw with Copenhagen that left their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. Despite being the defending champions, Napoli’s season has been defined by a relentless injury crisis that has tested their squad depth to the limit.

Team News and Selection:

• De Bruyne Injury: Kevin De Bruyne, the marquee free signing of 2025, remains out after October surgery. While he is back in Naples for reconditioning, he is not fit for match action.

   

   

• Lukaku Out: Romelu Lukaku continues to recover from a high-grade thigh tear and will not feature today.

• Hojlund's Rise: In their absence, Rasmus Højlund has stepped up, netting 7 goals so far and becoming the focal point of the attack alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

• Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Beukema; Mazzocchi, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola; Neres, Kvaratskhelia; Højlund.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Recent History: Napoli won the reverse fixture 2–1 in December 2025 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

   

   

• The "Old Lady" Fortress: Juventus has not lost a home league match since March 2025, winning 10 of their last 14 at the Allianz Stadium.

• Managerial Mirror: This is the first time Spalletti faces Conte since taking the Juventus job—a matchup between the two coaches who delivered the last two Serie A titles to non-Milanese clubs.

• Defensive Discipline: Napoli has conceded the fewest corner kicks in the league this season (average of 2.7 per match).

   

   

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Expect a tactical chess match. Spalletti’s Juventus will look to dominate the ball and exploit the space between Napoli’s wing-backs with the pace of Francisco Conceição. Conversely, Conte will likely set up a compact low block, inviting pressure to release Kvaratskhelia and Højlund on rapid counter-attacks.

The midfield battle between Scott McTominay and Manuel Locatelli will be decisive. Juventus has the momentum and home advantage, but Napoli’s "champion's grit" under Conte makes them incredibly difficult to beat in big games.

Final Score Prediction: Juventus 1–1 Napoli