Fiorentina have been a riddle wrapped in a purple shirt. Two wins from their recent five, eight goals scored but eleven conceded, and a defence leaking 2.2 goals per game. That is not a foundation for a home banker. Paolo Vanoli has returned to the dugout to replace Fabio Grosso after just three matches of the new campaign, and while the Franchi faithful will give him a bounce, the back line remains a sieve. The expected 4-3-3 will carry attacking threat through Franco Mastantuono and Mateo Pellegrino, but David de Gea will be the busiest man in Tuscany if the midfield fails to screen.

Napoli arrive with the kind of midfield that makes coaches sleep easy. Lobotka, McTominay and Anguissa is a double pivot plus one that can strangle a game, and their recent home form at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona has been imperious. The visitors are rightly installed as favourites, and the context supports that pricing. They do not need to be perfect here; they just need to be patient and punish the gaps Fiorentina leave behind.