Napoli vs Sporting CP Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Champions League 2025-26

These teams have played two matches against each other, both of which ended in a draw.

Napoli return to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on 1st October 2025 (UTC) with a clear objective. They seek to respond strongly after a frustrating 2-0 defeat against Manchester City in their opening Champions League fixture. With Antonio Conte now in charge, the Italian champions aim to show greater resilience and efficiency on home soil, where the atmosphere often drives their intensity and attacking rhythm.

Meanwhile, Sporting CP travel to Naples in a confident mood after starting their campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Kairat Almaty. Although the summer departure of Viktor Gyökeres reduced their attacking options, the Portuguese side have displayed enough creativity and sharp finishing to suggest they remain dangerous.

As a result, while Napoli look to restore momentum and reinforce their ambitions on the continental stage, Sporting CP intend to prove that their opening-day triumph was no isolated result, setting up an intriguing tactical contest.

Kick-off:

• Location: Naples, Italy
• Stadium: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
• Date: Thursday, October 2
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 a.m. IST
• Referee: Danny Desmond Makkelie
• VAR: In use

𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇: Deslocação a Nápoles para o duelo da @ChampionsLeague ✈️ #UCL 🔜 #SSCNSCP pic.twitter.com/bH2nR9Pnar

— Sporting CP (@SportingCP) September 29, 2025

Form:

Napoli (UCL 2025/26): L

Sporting CP (UCL 2025/26): W

Players to watch out for:

Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli):

Kevin De Bruyne stands out as the key figure for Napoli against Sporting CP. His vision and technical quality in midfield bring balance and creativity. Since arriving in the summer, he has already scored twice in five matches.

His influence could significantly shape Napoli’s attacking rhythm.

Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting CP):

Pedro Gonçalves enters Sporting CP’s clash with Napoli in excellent form, having already produced five goals and three assists across six appearances this season. His sharp movement and creativity keep him central to Sporting’s attack, and his influence could again be decisive after starring in their 4-1 win over Kairat Almaty.

Match Facts:

• Napoli suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Matchday 1, which included a 21st-minute red card for Giovanni Di Lorenzo, while Sporting CP recorded a dominant 4-1 victory against Kairat Almaty.
• This will be their first competitive Champions League clash, though they previously met in the 1989/90 UEFA Cup.
• Napoli have a strong home record against Portuguese teams in Europe (W5, D2) and have lost only four of their last 30 home Champions League matches. Sporting CP, however, have never won an away game against an Italian side in 17 previous attempts (D4, L13).

Napoli vs Sporting CP Betting Tips and Odds:

• Napoli to win: 1.88 (1xBet)
• Both teams to score: 1.75 (Winmatch)
• Total goals over 2.5: 1.85 (Parimatch)

Odds remain subject to change.

Injuries and Team News:

Napoli face Sporting CP with several absentees that could alter their approach. Captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo is suspended after his red card against Manchester City, while Alessandro Buongiorno remains sidelined with an adductor problem. Luca Marianucci and Pasquale Mazzocchi were excluded from the squad list.

Mathias Olivera struggles with a muscular issue that makes his availability doubtful, and goalkeeper Nikita Contini is still out with a broken hand. These setbacks leave Antonio Conte with limited depth in key positions.

Sporting CP also enter the fixture with injury concerns, as Nuno Santos remains out with a patellar tendon rupture and Daniel Bragança continues his long recovery from a cruciate ligament tear. Both managers, therefore, must adjust their tactical plans with restricted options.

Head-to-Head Stats:

Total matches: 2

Napoli wins: 0

Sporting CP wins: 0

Draws: 2

Predicted Starting Lineups:

Napoli (4-1-4-1):

A. Meret, Pasquale Mazzocchi, L. Marianucci, Juan, M. Gutiérrez; S. Lobotka; M. Politano, A. Anguissa, S. McTominay, K. De Bruyne; R. Højlund.

Sporting CP (4-2-3-1):

R. Silva; G. Vagiannidis, Z. Debast, G. Inácio, M. Araújo; M. Hjulmand, H. Morita; G. Quenda, Trincao, P. Gonçalves; L. Suárez

Match Prediction:

Napoli enter the clash against Sporting CP under pressure to respond, and their home advantage at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona strengthens belief in victory. With the need to secure their first Champions League points clear, many expect Napoli to claim a narrow win.

Prediction: Napoli 2-1 Sporting CP

Telecast Details:

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports, BBC

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Nigeria: DAZN

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