Champions League: Can Berlin Get Off the Mark in Passionate Naples?

Napoli vs Union Berlin

When you have an arena named the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, it has a gravitas which befits a venue playing host to Champions League football.

The European dream could end for one participant on Wednesday night, though, as the Germans of Union Berlin travel to where Maradona made his name in a bid to keep alive their slim chances of qualifying for the last 16.

Talking Points

Before looking at Napoli, we should remember this is Berlin’s first time appearing at Europe’s top table and, as such, progress would be a bonus.

Indeed, until four and a half years ago, they had never even graced Germany’s top flight.

However, since becoming the first club from the former East Berlin and the sixth from the former East Germany to reach the top tier, it has barely looked back.

The squad now boasts household names such as Leonardo Bonucci, Kevin Volland, fellow wideman Robin Gosens, Josip Juranovic and reliable forward Kevin Behrens, and they have far from disgraced themselves at this level.

Yes, they have lost all three of their Group C matches to date, but only by a single goal and their defeat at home to Napoli last time out came via the Italians’ only shot on target of the entire match.

As manager Urs Fischer seeks a change of fortune, it is domestically where they are truly suffering.

The club from the German’s capital’s nine defeats so far this term (in all competitions) is just three fewer than they registered in the whole of last season.

As they went down 3-0 at home to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga over the weekend, it extended their nightmare to a staggering 12 defeats on the bounce and was the fifth time in a row they had failed to find the net.

That has left them in a relegation play-off spot domestically and they are one of only three teams without a point on the board in European combat so far – Benfica and Royal Antwerp are the other unfortunate souls.

On-loan Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana may feature and Josip Juranovic (muscle) could return, although Alexander Schwolow (hip), Andras Schafer (foot) and Danilho Doekhi (knock) remain out.

While anything bar victory will see them eliminated, they can take heart from some of their displays in Europe, only succumbing to an injury-time Jude Bellingham goal in a 1-0 loss to Real Madrid before creating (but spurning) numerous chances to breach the Partenopei backline.

Napoli are far more used to this tournament, of course, although this is the first time they have taken part as Italian champions since the former European Cup in 1990.

After fighting back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with AC Milan in Serie A, the Rossoneri returned home 2-0 winners from Salernitana on Saturday, courtesy of goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Eljif Elmas.

It was a result which left them fourth in the table and, should they get the job done against Union Berlin, they will move to within a point of a last-16 place if, as expected. Real Madrid put minnows Braga to the sword.

They remain without Victor Osimhen, who is on the road to recovery from a hamstring issue, which means the goal threat will likely be led by Raspadori, Matteo Politano and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

If they are looking for positive omens, Napoli have won their last four matches against German teams without conceding a goal.

I am already on record as saying I doubt they will retain the Serie A title this term

Yet Champions League highlights are a distinct possibility, continuing on Wednesday evening in front of their passionate support.

History

Their only meeting came a fortnight ago in Germany when a 65^th minute goal from Raspadori proved the only one of the contest to earn Napoli a 1-0 victory.

Betting Tip

Given everything that has been written, you can see why Napoli are backed and by such a distance with the SBOTOP Champions League betting odds.

The home side are available with a range of bets which include First Half 1X2 @ 2.02, First Half Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 2.02, 1X2 @ 1.39 and Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 2.21.

Berlin are priced much further afield at First Half 1X2 @ 5.00, First Half Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.33, 1X2 @ 6.20 and Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 2.26.

The German side are, perhaps, due a stroke of better fortune and should they get off the mark with a point, then 1X2 Draw will pay out @ 4.60.

Another 1-0 success for the men from Serie A is on offer with Correct Score @ 5.60.

Both these teams can score and concede a few so it’s worth looking at Over 3.00 @ 2.38, Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.95 or 4-6 @ 3.25, perhaps more than 0-1 @ 3.50.

I am opting for a Naples win after a battle and my ** prediction is Half Time Full Time Draw Home @ 4.00.

 

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