European Football Season Finale - Preview

The final day of the season has arrived in both Italy and Spain, as the Serie A and La Liga schedule comes to a conclusion after another memorable set of events.

Barcelona and Juventus were crowned as league champion's, as they once again asserted their domestic dominance, while also collecting cup titles for impressive doubles on the season. 

The remaining fixtures should offer up high paced and wide open matches, as the bulk of the European and Relegation spots have been determined, many of the clubs will want to give their loyal supporters a entertaining spectacle as they say goodbye until next year.

18607 Napoli vs. 18608 Crotone

Stadio San Paolo, Naples, Italy 

5-20-2018 - 12:00 pm ET 

The 'Partenopei Gli Azzurri' come up short on winning their first Serie A title since the 1990 season, instead they had to settle for yet another second second place finish in the top flight table. The Naples side can now relax and just focus on putting on a entertaining event for their loyal supporters, while at the famed San Paolo to close out the campaign.

Crotone will make the short trip north, in need of a positive result to guarantee safety for next season. The Sharks have a uphill battle compared too their fellow relegation competitors, as they must try and limit a high powered Napoli side.. 

'I Rossoblu' manager Walter Zenga was placed in charge of the southerners in December, he was tasked with the responsibility of keeping this proud club safe from relegation. Zenga has done a commendable job considering the circumstances, but Sunday's match is a daunting task for the former Italian international.

The visitors enter the final match day sitting 18th in the Serie Table, with a overall record of 9-8-20 and 35 points during this trying campaign. Crotone still have hope of survival, as the Sharks only sit two points back of the 14th position in the league.

Zenga is set to field his most familiar starting eleven, the Italian head-man has preferred an aggressive 4-3-3 formation during his time with the club, his squad are at their best when creating turnovers and using long balls over the top of the defense. The Sharks are also sharp shooters from long distance, as they generally get their fair share of shots off on goal.

Marcello Trotta has been the main danger man in the Crotone plan of attack. The Italian tally's man fits perfect into Zenga's style of play, as he is proficient from long range out, grabbing the bulk of his goals from outside and the edge of the box. Trotta has placed 8 goals in the back of the net, during all competitions this season.

Rolando Mandragora and Andrea Barberis also fill the roles asked of them within their managers tactical vision. Mandragora is highly aggressive, looking to intercept and block the ball at any given time, and use his athleticism in the box where he is highly effective.

Barberis offers more of a passing game to his overall repertoire, giving a perfect mix to this midfield tandem. Expect both of these individuals to be heavily involved in what the Sharks are attempting to accomplish, their onfield intelligence and long range shooting abilities will serve them well while at the San Paolo.

Crotone have been challenged to get on the scoreboard away from home, scoring an average of 0.9 Goals per match, in their last 18 Serie A away fixtures.

The Crotone defense has found keeping clean sheets a major obstacle during their travels, conceding an average of 2.6 Goals per match, during their last 18 Serie A away fixtures. 

Napoli gave a valiant effort in their fight to grab an illusive Serie A title, after topping the table for several weeks during the season, the Sky Blues were just not able to hold off Juventus as they claimed their seventh straight Scudetto.

The  Naples club still must still be proud of their accomplishments over the past few years, after finishing 2nd in the league with an overall record of 27-7-3, they will once again be apart of the Champions League draw next season.

Maurizio Sarri has been responsible for the reclamation project at the Southern side, upon his arrival he has turned the 'Partenopei Gli Azzurri' into perennial powers, who continue to challenge the Old Lady for the Italian top flight title.

Sarri's future though is uncertain heading into this final match, even so he still has to be credited for turning the culture around with a more attacking unit within his patented 4-3-3 formation. Napoli often overwhelm their opponents, as they continue to push forward over the full 90 minute span.

The Napolitains present one of the more dangerous front-line combinations in the world, as Dries Mertens, Lorenzo Insigne and José Callejón have partnered to combine for 47 combined Goals scored in all competitions.
The Napoli trio have perfected the art of playing off one another, as each are able to create their own shots through individual skill, they draw additional attention when in possession of the ball, allowing for mismatches throughout the attacking half of the pitch. 

Jorginho continues to get rave reviews from the footballing community, the Italian play-maker has continued to grow his game over the past few seasons under Sarri's vision. The Napoli Midfielder is often the link-up man between the defense to offense, setting the Sky Blues high octane offense into motion, with a skillful array of passes and precise through balls that get his side out and running.

Marek Hamsik remains the back bone of this Napoli squad, the Slovakian has been a stable of consistency with the club, his presence alone gives the team stability while on the pitch, expect another solid performance from one of the Sky Blues all time legends. 

Napoli have been terrific while on their own pitch, scoring an average of 2.3 Goals per match, during their last 18 Serie A home fixtures.

The Napoli defense often gets over-looked due too their high powered offensive attack, conceding an average of 0.9 Goals per match, in their last 18 Serie A home fixtures.

Prediction:

Crotone will have their hands full with this spirited Napoli bunch, as they have been on a tear at home scoring a minimum of 2 Goals, in 8 of their last 10 matches at the San Paolo. While the Sharks have also struggled during their travels in league play, losing 5 of their last 6 away fixtures.

Napoli are certain to see a large amount of possession in this match-up, as they will consistently challenge the Sharks on their side of the pitch.

Expect a high paced game, as Napoli will certainly look to push the pace, using quick counter attacking football, and a flurry of through balls too their trio of front-line players.

Crotone must try and create offense whenever possible, as they have become adept at getting off long range shots while seeing less of the ball during a 90 minute shift.

The home side still look to be more than the visitors can handle, I expect a convincing victory in what could be Sarri's last time manning the sideline for this Napoli side.

Tips:

Napoli  -0.5  -110 / 1.91 - 1st Half Spread 

Napoli  -1.25  -115 / 1.87 - Full Time Spread 

Napoli - Team Total  Over 2.25  -120 / 1.83 - Goals 

Serie A - Bonus Tips

18604 Udinese vs. 18605 Bologna 

5-20-2018 - 12:00 pm ET

Udinese  -1  -125 / 1.8 - Full Time Spread 

Udinese - Team Total  Over 2  -110 / 1.91 - Goals 

18610 AC Milan vs. 18611 Fiorentina 

5-20-2018 - 12:00 pm ET 

AC Milan  -120 / 1.83 - Full Time Winner 

AC Milan - Team Total  Over 1.5  -125 / 1.8 - Goals 

18616 Spal vs. 18617 Sampdoria 

5-20-2018 - 12:00 pm ET 

Spal  -0.75   -115 / 1.87 - Full Time Spread

Spal - Team Total  Over 1.5  -135 / 1.74 - Goals 

Spain La Liga - Bonus Tips

15825 Atletico Madrid vs. 15826 Eibar 

5-20-2018 - 12:30 pm ET

Atletico Madrid  -1  -105 / 1.95 - Full Time Spread

Atletico Madrid - Team Total Over 1.5  -130 / 1.77 - Goals 

Best Of Luck To All