Napoli vs Juventus: Shades of Diego Maradona against Michel Platini as Lorenzo Insigne and Paulo Dybala fight for title edge
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NAPOLI host Juventus in a Titanic tussle at the top of the table in Italy.
Serie A has often been accused of being dull in recent seasons — but has all changed.
"Free-scoring" Napoli have been one of the most exciting sides on the continent and 12 wins and two draws see them sitting pretty in first place.
However, amazingly, Juventus have found the back of the net on more occasions in Serie A, having scored in every game — and on only one occasion less than twice.
The Old Lady are perceived to have struggled so far this season, having lost their incredible unbeaten home record to Lazio before later losing at Sampdoria.
However, having won the previous six "Scudetti", no one has the experience to match them.
They are just four points behind Napoli and victory at the San Paolo would close the gap to a solitary point.
Juventus have faced two of the so called "big clubs" in Italy — losing to Lazio, and beat AC Milan away.
They will be in this race right until the end.
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Victory for Napoli would be a massive statement and give them the belief they can finally break their title hoodoo.
Back in the 2015-16 season under Walter Mazzarri, they led for much of the season but were run over by the Juventus train when a Simone Zaza goal gave the Bianconeri a 1-0 win and the impetus to finish first.
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In terms of quality and team structure, there is little between the two sides.
But Juve are way out in front in terms of mentality, having been there and done it — for six seasons in a row.
Napoli will look to Dries Mertens' goals , but it is the majesty of Lorenzo Insigne that will define whether they can last the distance.
The Belgian was sensational last season following the serious knee injury picked up by Arkadiusz Milik, hitting 34 goals in all competitions.
And he has continued that on with ten in 13 in Serie A this campaign.
However, Insigne has been the man for the big occasions with the winner away at Roma as well as the opener in the 2-1 victory over Milan.
In the Black and White corner, Paulo Dybala is the matchwinner, who enjoyed an electric start to the season.
He scored ten goals in his first six Serie A matches — including three hat-tricks.
But, when the goals dried up, Gonzalo Higuain stepped up to pick up the slack.
That is perhaps the most startling difference between the two teams, as Napoli don't have another prolific goal scorer if Mertens isn't performing.
Insigne-Dybala is not quite on the same level as Maradona-Platini in the late 1980s.
But the two are certainly their side's focal points and the top performer will likely give his side the edge.
Nicola Amoruso, who played for both sides, compared the pair in the lead up to the match, insisting Insigne is pleasure to watch, while Dybala is crucial to Juventus' style.
He said: “Insigne has a great technique and has recently learned to play with great flow.
"Every ball he touches becomes magical, it's a pleasure to watch him play.
"Dybala because he is an important player and is crucial for [Massimiliano] Allegri's game."
As a born Neapolitan, this will mean more to Insigne than anyone — and there could be no bigger goal than a winner to give his side a huge edge in the title race.
By Dybala is among the most talented players in world football, and this season, is producing the best form of his career.
Get ready for a cracker.