Derby Tactics: Napoli's Quiet Plan to Contain Juve Before the Big Clash

Match Preview

Juventus gear up for a heavyweight test as they travel to face Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Sunday evening, in the 14th round of Serie A.

The club are unlikely to head to Naples early this time, unlike previous years when the team would land a full day before kick-off to prepare.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus will cover about 870 kilometers — roughly an hour and a half by plane — on Sunday morning. The plan stems from Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti's desire to shield his side from any external disruptions on the eve of the game.

As expected, Juventus will not be warmly welcomed in Naples due to the long-standing animosity between the clubs. The paper adds that the Bianconeri players have previously struggled to get enough rest before meetings with the Partenopei, thanks to chants and fireworks outside the hotel.

The paper noted that Spalletti is aiming this time to keep his team away from any external factors, so Juventus will travel to Naples on match day only, returning to Turin straight after the game.

Napoli have collected 28 points from 13 matches, placing them second in the standings, level with leaders Milan on goal difference, while Juventus sit seventh with 23 points.

Punchline 1: If tension had a travel plan, Napoli vs Juve would be a non-stop flight with extra legroom for drama.

Punchline 2: They say the derby is about football—tonight, the stadium might audition for the title of "Loudest Derby Ever." Bring earplugs.