Alessandro Buongiorno believes the desire and unity embodied by Napoli is helping them improve to be the best they can be as they prepare to host Torino in Serie A.

Napoli currently sit third in the table on 53 points, but they have stumbled in recent weeks, with the likes of Roma, Como and Juventus trying to close in on them in the fight for a Champions League spot.

Goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Romelu Lukaku secured Napoli a 2-1 victory over Verona last time out, getting them back to winning ways after a draw with Roma and a defeat to Atalanta.

And they are seeking another win on Friday as they aim to take a tighter grip on third place and put the pressure on AC Milan above them.

"It will be a very tough match; their attack could create a lot of problems for us," Buongiorno told Radio Crc.

"There will be many battles in midfield, so we will have to be ready from that point of view and, thanks to the help of the Maradona stadium, try to win the match.

"This Napoli wants a future where everyone rows in the same direction, where players give 100% and know what they have to do. Here, there is desire, spirit, and unity. We are working to always improve and to have the best Napoli possible."

Torino are 14th in Serie A, six points above the relegation zone, and they ended a three-match winless streak with a 2-0 win over Lazio last time out, earning Roberto D'Aversa a debut victory in charge.

Napoli, meanwhile, have recently been boosted by the return of Lukaku from injury, as he continues to regain his full match fitness, and Kevin De Bruyne is back in training after recovering from a hamstring injury, though he is not set to be in the squad against Torino.

But Buongiorno noted how important it is for Napoli to have the players back among the group.

"We are very happy for Big Rom [after his goal]. It has certainly been a very difficult period for him," he added.

"It is fundamental to have him back with us, not only for his technical skills but also for his charisma and the person he is. We hope he can give us a big hand.

"I saw De Bruyne in great shape physically, very motivated and eager. We hope he can help us as he has in the past, both for his technical qualities but above all for his charisma."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Napoli – Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku has been involved in nine goals against Torino in Serie A (five goals, four assists) and has only been involved in more goals in the competition against Genoa (10).

The Belgian, who has not scored at home in the league since Napoli's 2-0 win over Cagliari in May, has been involved in eight goals (five goals, three assists) in his last seven Serie A home matches for his current club.

Torino – Giovanni Simeone

Giovanni Simeone (83 appearances and six goals in Serie A for Napoli) has equalled his goal tally from his previous three Serie A seasons combined (six goals) in just 21 games played for Torino in this campaign.

With a goal or an assist on Friday, the Argentine would reach 100 goal involvements in the competition (79 goals, 20 assists so far).

MATCH PREDICTION: NAPOLI WIN

After their 1-0 win in the reverse fixture, Torino could complete their first Serie A double over Napoli since 2008-09.

However, Napoli have not failed to score in two consecutive Serie A matches against Torino since 2019.

Moreover, Napoli have lost only one of their 17 Serie A home matches against Torino in the three points for a win era (1994-95), winning three of the last four (W3 D1) and keeping two clean sheets during that run.

The Partenopei have drawn three of their last five home Serie A matches (W2), and overall have recorded eight wins and four draws at home in this league campaign. 

Napoli and Torino have met only once before in Serie A on a Friday, drawing 1-1 at the Stadio Maradona in March 2024.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Napoli – 60.4%

Draw – 23.1%

Torino – 16.5%