NAP (Interstat) — Stakes are high for both Napoli and Udinese when they meet Sunday, May 24, 2026, in a critical Serie A matchup at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

The season series is deadlocked, with each side holding a win in the most recent encounters. On Apr. 6, the teams played to a scoreless draw. Udinese claimed a 1-0 victory at home Dec. 14, 2025. The Interstat game simulator projects a 2-1 Napoli win this time.

Both clubs enter the match with contrasting momentum.

Napoli (10-6-11 overall) is coming off a dominant 3-0 win at Pisa on May 17. However, consistency has been an issue. Prior to that victory, Napoli lost at home to Bologna 3-2 on May 11 and played to a 0-0 draw at Como on May 2. The team’s recent form includes a 4-0 win over US Cremonese on Apr. 24, but also a 2-0 loss at Lazio on Apr. 18 and a 1-1 draw at Parma on Apr. 12. Notable wins include a 1-0 result at AC Milan on Apr. 6 and a 2-1 victory at Lecce on Mar. 14.

Udinese (9-8-10) is fighting for consistency. They lost 1-0 at home to US Cremonese on May 17, a setback following a 2-0 win at Cagliari on May 9 and a 2-0 home victory over Torino on May 2. The team has shown flashes of brilliance, including a 3-0 win at AC Milan on Apr. 11 and a 1-0 win over Atalanta on Apr. 14. But they also drew 3-3 at Lazio on Apr. 27 and lost 1-0 at Parma on Apr. 18. Other results include a 1-0 loss at Salernitana on Mar. 28 and a 2-0 win at Genoa on Mar. 20.

Key players to watch include Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who leads the team in goals, and midfielder Piotr Zielinski, who controls the tempo. For Udinese, forward Gerard Deulofeu and midfielder Sandi Lovric are pivotal in creating chances.

Napoli will look to dictate possession and exploit home advantage. Udinese, comfortable on the counterattack, will aim to frustrate and strike on the break.

Kickoff is set for 8:45 p.m. local time. A win for either side could prove crucial in the tight race for European qualification places above the relegation zone.