Napoli were expected to mount a serious challenge for the title at the start of the season, but so far Rafael Benítez’s team have performed way below expectations. They sit down in mid-table heading into round five, having picked up just one point in their last three games. Adding yet more pressure to the manager is that they can’t blame their underperformance on the rigours of European football -- they were eliminated from the Champions League in the playoff round.
Sassuolo vs. Napoli: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Only a win over Sassuolo on Sunday will quell Napoli’s discontent.
With Benítez's position looking increasingly uncertain, their game away at struggling Sassuolo in Sunday's early kick-off is looking like a must-win. Napoli's Emilian hosts may have made some very sharp signings over the summer, but they've failed to win in their opening four matches and sit in the relegation zone heading into the round. Anything other than three points for the Neapolitans would be seen as another disastrous result.
Key player - Marek Hamšík (Napoli)
It has been an awfully long time since Marek Hamšík was consistently playing at his best, and it’s no coincidence that Napoli’s dip in form has coincided with his own sub-par displays. Whether it’s a confidence problem or a tactical one, the Neapolitans’ captain hasn’t been playing with the vim and vigour that saw him create goalscoring chances for fun a couple of seasons ago. Should he reach such heights again, Napoli will be much the better for it.
Key matchup - Nicola Sansone vs. Christian Maggio
Napoli’s lack of a defensively sound right-back is an issue that has plagued them ever since Benítez took charge of the team last summer. He’s stuck by Christian Maggio, though the Italian international hasn’t looked truly comfortable ever since the partenopei switched to a back four. The man who’ll be looking to take advantage of Maggio’s defensive weakness on Sunday is Nicola Sansone, a tricky, direct winger who will make the most of any space he finds out on the left.
Sassuolo injuries and suspensions
Out: Gianluca Pegolo (injured); Domenico Berardi (suspended). In doubt: None.
Napoli injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: None.
Sassuolo will be without goalkeeper Gianluca Pegolo, though with the arrival of Andrea Consigli in the summer, he'd have been second choice anyway. Rather more concerning is the absence of wonderkid attacker Domenico Berardi, who is suspended. Napoli, meanwhile, have a full strength team available.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 12:30 p.m. local, 6:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore, Reggio Emilia, Italy
TV: RAI Internazionale (U.S. and Canada - Italian), ESPN UK/HD (U.K.), Premium Calcio (Italy)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada), Sky Go Italia (Italy)
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