Serie A: Napoli’s Top Spot is Under Threat

Bologna vs Napoli

It’s getting tight at the top of the 2025-26 Serie A table, as Napoli, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and AS Roma are only separated by one point, and Matchday 11 could prove to be pivotal for these four calcios.

Among them, first-seeded Napoli arguably have the toughest draw this weekend, as they’ll face a buoyant Bologna side that’s unbeaten in their last nine games across all competitions. As a result, Vincenzo Italiano’s side rose to fifth in the Italian top-flight standings with 18 points, level with sixth-seeded Juventus.

Napoli have also gone undefeated lately, but Antonio Conte will be disappointed for dropping points against Como in a goalless draw last Sunday. The Partenopei followed it up with another goalless draw against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League last Wednesday, so they have little momentum ahead of this Sunday’s match at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium.

Continue reading below for the SBOTOP preview of this fascinating clash.

 

Talking Points

Italiano’s return could inspire Bologna

Bologna were without their head coach for the past three weeks, as Vincenzo Italiano had been in the hospital due to pneumonia. Assistant Daniel Niccolini took charge while Italiano was on the mend, but to their credit, I Rossoblu stayed undefeated.

Italiano returned to the touchline last night against Brann in the Europa League, but Bologna were held to a goalless draw. Full-back Charalampos Lykogiannis received a straight red card in that game, but his suspension is not applicable in Italy.

Because of the short turnaround between games, Bologna will likely rotate their squad against Napoli, but not at the expense of their top players. Riccardo Orsolini and Santiago Castro should continue to lead the line for I Rossoblu, as they’ve combined for nine league goals thus far. Nicolo Cambiaghi is their top playmaker with two league goals and three assists. Jens Odgaard and Jonathan Rowe could also return to the starting XI.

Bologna’s only notable absences are Remo Freuler (shoulder) and Ciro Immobile (hamstring). Otherwise, Italiano will have a close-to-full squad at his disposal against the reigning champions.

 

Injuries piling up for Napoli

​Antonio Conte faces a huge lineup dilemma against Bologna, as he could be without up to six key players this Sunday. Alex Meret (foot), Leonardo Spinazzola (hamstring), Billy Gilmour (hamstring), Stanislav Lobotka (hamstring), and Kevin De Bruyne (thigh) are all injured. 

De Bruyne was the team’s latest casualty, as he tore his bicep femoris after opening the scoring in the 3-1 win against Inter Milan. This is a huge blow for the Partenopei, as De Bruyne, who scored four goals in eight league appearances this year, is expected to be out for a long time after undergoing surgery on Wednesday. 

Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku’s on-pitch return is on the horizon. According to local reports, the Belgian striker is ramping up his recovery and is targeting a comeback before the Supercoppa Italiana in December against AC Milan. He has been sidelined since August, and Rasmus Hojlund has filled the void.

 

History

The recent matches between Bologna and Napoli suggest that both teams are capable of challenging each other. Last season, Napoli won 3-0 at the Diego Maradona Stadium against Bologna in August 2024. However, Bologna held Napoli to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium last April 2025. 

Bologna are winless against Napoli at the Renato Dall’Ara stadium since 2019. However, I Rossoblu are undefeated in their first four home league games this season (W3, D1). 

After missing out on European football last term, Bologna are trying to replicate their run in 2023-24, where they qualified for the Champions League after finishing fifth.

Meanwhile, Napoli have come a long way after finishing 10th in 2023-24. Since then, they have won the championship, which they are defending this year.

 

Betting Tip

The Serie A 2025 odds expect a tight contest between Bologna and Napoli. Because they’re at the top of the standings, Napoli have the slight advantage at 2.43, while Bologna aren’t far behind at 2.83, and a draw is at 2.98 in the 1X2 market. If there’s a game in which Napoli will regain their shooting boots and get back to winning ways, it’s this one. However, Bologna can also create new Serie A 2025 highlights. 

Besides our recommended bet, bettors can also go for Over 1.75 at 1.58, Over 2.00 at 1.84, Over 2.25 at 2.17, and Total Goal 2-3 at 1.91 to the parlay. Furthermore, a Correct Score of 1-1 – the result of their previous encounter – offers a decent payday of 5.70 your bet.

   

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.