Napoli head into Sunday's lunchtime Serie A clash against Empoli looking to maintain their winning momentum after a strong start to the season under Antonio Conte. With six wins from seven matches before the international break, Napoli have been in excellent form, while Empoli have proven to be difficult to beat at home, remaining undefeated at Stadio Carlo Castellani so far.

In their last outing, Napoli secured a 3-1 victory over Como, with summer signings Romelu Lukaku and David Neres among the scorers. This continued their impressive run, extending their unbeaten streak to six matches and taking them to the top of the Serie A table, two points clear of reigning champions Inter Milan. Conte’s influence is already evident, as Napoli have shown a ruthless streak, with 11 different players contributing goals across all competitions, a figure matched by few clubs in Europe. Napoli have also benefited from a lack of European football this season, allowing them to focus on domestic success. However, they face a tough challenge against Empoli, a team with a strong recent record against Napoli and an ability to pull off upsets at home.

Empoli may have suffered a 2-1 defeat to Lazio before the international break, ending their 10-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, but they have performed solidly this season, currently sitting in ninth place. Despite their loss, Empoli remain a difficult side to break down, especially at home, where they have drawn 0-0 in all three of their Serie A fixtures this season. Empoli’s resilience at the Castellani could pose a problem for Napoli, especially with their impressive defensive record.

For Napoli, injuries could play a role in this match. Midfielder Stanislav Lobotka picked up an injury while on international duty, and left-back Mathias Olivera is also a doubt. Conte may call upon Billy Gilmour and Leonardo Spinazzola to step into the starting XI. Romelu Lukaku, who has been focusing on his fitness during the break, is expected to lead the attack alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with either Matteo Politano or David Neres joining them.

Empoli will once again rely on goalkeeper Devis Vasquez, who has been in excellent form, posting the highest save percentage in Serie A so far. However, they will be without key players Samuele Perisan and Tyronne Ebuehi, while Szymon Zurkowski could make a return from injury.

While Empoli’s solid defensive performances at home make them a tough opponent, Napoli’s attacking depth and current form give them the edge. I expect Napoli to continue their winning run, but they may need a moment of brilliance to break down Empoli’s defense.

在孔蒂的带领下，那不勒斯本赛季开局强劲，他们将在周日的意甲午间与恩波利的比赛中保持胜利的势头。在国际比赛日之前的7场比赛中取得了6场胜利，那不勒斯的状态非常好，而恩波利在主场已经证明很难被击败，到目前为止他们在卡洛·卡斯特拉尼球场保持不败。

在上一场比赛中，那不勒斯3:1战胜科莫，夏天签下的卢卡库和内雷斯都是进球的球员。这场比赛延续了他们令人印象深刻的连胜，将他们的不败纪录延长到了6场，并将他们带到了意甲积分榜的首位，领先卫冕冠军国际米兰2分。孔蒂的影响力已经很明显，那不勒斯表现出了无情的连胜，在所有比赛中有11名不同的球员贡献进球，这个数字在欧洲很少有俱乐部能与之匹敌。那不勒斯也从本赛季缺少欧洲足球比赛中受益，使他们能够专注于国内的成功。然而，他们面临着对恩波利的严峻挑战，这支球队最近在对阵那不勒斯的比赛中取得了良好的战绩，并且有能力在主场击败对手。

恩波利在国际比赛日之前以2比1输给了拉齐奥，结束了他们在各项赛事中的10场不败，但他们本赛季表现稳定，目前排名第九。尽管输球，恩波利仍然是一支难以击败的球队，特别是在主场，他们本赛季在意甲的三场比赛中都是0-0平。恩波利在卡斯泰拉尼球场的韧性可能会给那不勒斯带来麻烦，尤其是他们令人印象深刻的防守记录。

对于那不勒斯来说，伤病可能会在这场比赛中发挥作用。中场球员洛博特卡在国家队比赛中受伤，左后卫奥利维拉也不确定。孔蒂可能会召唤比利·吉尔摩和莱昂纳多·斯皮纳佐拉进入首发阵容。罗梅卢·卢卡库在休息期间一直在关注自己的健康状况，他预计将与克瓦拉茨基利亚一起领导进攻，波利塔诺或大卫·内雷斯将加入他们。

恩波利将再次依靠门将德维斯·瓦斯克斯，他的状态非常好，是迄今为止意甲最高的扑救率。然而，他们将失去关键球员佩里桑和埃布希，而祖尔科夫斯基可能会从伤病中回归。

虽然恩波利在主场稳固的防守表现使他们成为一个强硬的对手，但那不勒斯的进攻深度和目前的状态给了他们优势。我希望那不勒斯能继续他们的连胜之路，但他们可能需要一个辉煌的时刻来打破恩波利的防守。