May 7, 2016

Torino v Napoli Asian Handicap Betting Preview – Sunday 8th May by @MarkOHaire

Torino v Napoli – Stadio Olimpico di Torino at 19:45 live on BT Sport 2 Extra

Serie A’s race to finish next past the post following Juventus’ title triumph resumes on Sunday, with both Napoli and Roma desperate to clinch second, and automatic qualification into next season’s Champions League group-phase.

Roma kick-off proceedings in the early game when welcoming Chievo to the Stadio Olimpico and you can be sure Napoli players, coaches and supporters will be tuning in ahead of their own contest at Torino on Sunday night.

The Partenopei have stuttered since early February, giving their table-topping position away and allowing the Giallorossi to close to within two points of their position in second. Only a fortnight ago, an 89th-minute Roma winner sank Napoli when the two went head-to-head.

That loss has meant Maurizio Sarri’s men have W6-D2-L4 in their last 12 league outings although Monday night’s 2-1 home triumph over Atalanta was considerably more comfortable than the final scoreline suggested.

But it’s Napoli’s road record that’s begun to be questioned. Only one point has been picked up at the top-six (W0-D1-L4) and, when excluding sides in 14th and below, the Partenopei have managed just W3-D3-L5. So 1.40 quotes on an away success here make little appeal.

For large swatches of the campaign, Torino have unimpressed. Veteran head coach Giampiero Ventura has faced harsh calls to resign as the Granata plodded their way through their inconsistent season with little direction or strategy.

Between December and March, the Bulls bagged just W2-D6-L8 culminating in their Turin derby defeat to Juventus. But Torino put in a composed display during that reverse before collecting W4-D0-L2 from their last six to safely assume their position in mid-table.

The Granata’s biggest problem has been taking points off teams in the top-half. The hosts have W2-D4-L11 across 17 matches and at their Stadio Olimpico base their record against the top-10 reads a rather uninspiring W1-D3-L4.

With little left to play for bar pride, the bookmakers are expecting Torino to rollover here but I’m not convinced the Bulls will be easily swatted aside. Since the start of last season, Ventura’s charges have lost just 3/37 (8%) of their home fixtures by more than a one-goal margin.

During the same sample, Napoli have seen off their opponents by two goals or more on 8/37 (22%) occasions when on the road but more recently their away day blues (W1-D1-L4) have suggested they’re far from formidable visitors.

The Partenopei should be taking maximum points here but I just can’t find reason to justify their short-priced odds and therefore I’m more than happy to oppose a comfortable away success by backing Torino with a +1.25 Asian Handicap start on Sunday night.

Asian Handicap Betting Recommendation: Torino +1.25 at 2.02

Prices correct at the time of writing.

By @MarkOHaire

Join Eastbridge for great prices on Serie A football! Now UK Licensed.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *