Napoli v Palermo

[getborn]

Serie A Preview: Napoli – Palermo
What: Serie A, Matchday 4
Who: Napoli (7th, 5 points) vs Palermo (4th, 6 points)
When: Wednesday, September 24, 2030 CET
Where: Stadio San Paolo, Naples

Both teams are showing their true potential as a hard fought battle is in store for one of the feature match-ups of this Serie A midweek round when Napoli host Palermo on Wednesday in a southern Italian rivalry.
Notorious Napoli

Napoli are unbeaten in Serie A so far, as they continue to prove they are a much-improved side compared to last season. They have picked up a precious point against both Roma and Udinese while down a man and in between those matches, they beat one of Serie A's elite in Fiorentina.

Perhaps more importantly, Napoli showed that they are a growing force on the European stage as well when they defeated Portuguese giants Benfica 3-2 in an exciting first leg, first round UEFA Cup clash last week.

Players like Ezequiel Lavezzi, Marek Hamsik, Cristian Maggio, Paolo Cannavaro, and German Denis are proving the are ready to lead Napoli in the coming years as they make a push to get into the Champions League within the next few seasons.

This game in particular, comes against another in-form side in Palermo but the Naples outfit will have to face them without Lavezzi, who would have certainly been capable of unlocking the average Palermo defence. They will miss his ingenuity and therefore rely even more on the blossoming Hamsik's play-making abilities.

Another loss for Napoli will be that of the crowd as they are still facing a home ban until the home match against Reggina on October 29th when the fans will be able to return to support their beloved Azzurri.

Plucky Palermo

The Sicilian side are reborn under new boss Davide Ballardini. Since the former Cagliari coach's arrival the team in pink have a perfect record, as president Maurizio Zamparini finally seems to have justified one of his sackings.

Palermo were deserved winners over Roma and Genoa, defeating them 3-1 and 2-1 respectively at the Stadio Renzo Barbera and Ballardini has chosen a consistent core group of players that seem capable of working together on both the offensive and defensive end.

The coach has also re-energized the midfield duo of Austrailian Marco Bresciano and Brazilian Fabio Simplicio as both players looked tired and out of sorts last season under Stefano Colantuono.

Palermo will have a tough test at the Stadio San Paolo without star striker Fabrizio Miccoli and it will be their first match away from home under Ballardini. It remains to be seen whether they can take their good form to the road, or will they be like Napoli of last season: Fantastic at home, but dreadful on their travels.

If Palermo can continue their hot streak by beating Napoli then they will be considered a real threat all around the peninsula and regain some of the respect they lost in recent years due to their poor form and numerous collapses.

FORM GUIDE

Napoli

September 21 v Udinese (A) DREW 0-0 (Serie A)

September 18 v Benfica (H) WON 3-2 (UEFA Cup)

September 14 v Fiorentina (H) WON 2-1 (Serie A)

August 31 v Roma (A) DREW 1-1 (Serie A)

August 28 v Vllaznia (H) WON 5-0 (UEFA Cup)

Palermo

September 21 v Genoa (H) WIN 2-1 (Serie A)

September 13 v Roma (H) WIN 3-1(Serie A)

August 30 v Udinese (A) LOSS 1-3(Serie A)

August 23 v Ravenna (H) LOSS 1-2 (Coppa Italia)

May 18 v Siena (A) DREW 2-2(Serie A)

TEAM NEWS

Napoli

The Partonopei remain without long term absentee Mariano Bogliacino who is injured. A more significant absence is that of Argentine wizard Ezequiel Lavezzi, who is out of action for another week at least. Their only other concern will be how many red cards Fabio Santacroce can pick up this season.

He has been sent off in both of his Serie A appearances this season and is thus banned for this match. Upfront Denis has a guaranteed place and should be partnered by former Juventus striker Marcelo Zalayeta.

Probable Line-up (3-5-2): 1 Iezzo - 83 Rinaudo, 28 Cannavaro, 96 Contini - 11 Maggio, 8 Blasi, 23 Gargano, 17 Hamsik, 3 Vitale - 9 Denis, 25 Zalayeta

Palermo

The Rosanero will miss Fabrizio Miccoli and the ever-absent Igor Budan through injury, which leaves them with a rather thin forward line. Palermo are expected to start with the exact first XI they used in the 2-1 win over Genoa last Sunday. Meanwhile, the rejuvenated Fabio Simplico will take up the trequartista role where he has had success in the last two matches.

Probable Line-up (4-4-2): 32 Amelia - 16 Cassani, 80 Carrozzieri, 5 Bovo, 42 Balzaretti - 23 Bresciano, 11 Liverani, 33 Nocerino, 30 Simplicio - 7 Cavani, 19 Succi

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Napoli are missing the influential Ezequiel Lavezzi through injury, so his campatriot German Denis will need to lead the line. The Argentine got off the mark against Benfica in the UEFA Cup last week and will be confident of scoring his first Serie A goal on Wednesday.

Likewise, Palermo are missing their top striker Fabrizio Miccoli just as they were against Genoa. Edison Cavani has two Serie A goals already this season as he looks to claim the centre forward spot as his own after Amauri’s departure to Juventus this summer. The young Urguayan looks to be growing as a player and if he can bag around 12-15 goals this season he will be on the radar of some more prestigious clubs.

PREDICTION

Palermo have gotten two good results under Davide Ballardini, but both in the comfort of the Stadio Renzo Barbera. While Palermo may be an improved team it is unlikely they can overcome the Stadio San Paolo with or without home fans present. A tie would be a good result for the Rosanero as they look to continue their good form.

[getborn]

Squad List v PALERMO

Iezzo, Gianello, Navarro, Aronica, Cannavaro, Contini, Grava, Rinaudo, Amodio, Blasi, Dalla Bona, Gargano, Hamsik, Maggio, Mannini, Montervino, Pazienza, Vitale, Denis, Russotto, Pià, Zalayeta.

Maggio will possibly be rested again.
Zalayeta & Denis, can they coexsist, we shall find out shortly.
Mannini to reclaim his spot from Vitale, possibly.
Hamsik a likely starter, also Cannavaro.
One can only hope he makes an appearance at some stage.

1 - 0

Denis p.t

[El Pocho Lavezzi]

give dalla bona a chance to prove himself!

[sweeps]

predict 1-0!

And stay unbeaten!

[getborn]

Napoli-Palermo 2-1

Napoli: Iezzo, Cannavaro, Contini, Aronica, Maggio, Blasi (22' st Pià), Gargano, Hamsik, Vitale, Denis (1' st Pazienza), Zalayeta. A disp. Gianello, Rinaudo, Grava, Montervino, Mannini. All. Reja

Palermo: Amelia, Cassani, Carrozzieri, Bovo, Balzaretti, Nocerino (30' st Migliaccio), Liverani, Bresciano (33' st Mchelidze), Simplicio, Miccoli, Cavani. A disp. Ujkani, Capuano, Raggi, Ciaramitaro, Lanzafame. All. Ballardini

Arbitro: Rocchi di Firenze

Marcatore: 14' pt Hamsik (N), 31' st Zalayeta (N), 38' st Miccoli rig. (P)

Note: ammoniti Carrozzieri, Bovo, Blasi, Balzaretti, Aronica


In occasione di Napoli-Palermo 2-1 c'erano 30.535 spettatori (7.535 paganti e 23.000 abbonati)

not a bad crowd, considering the ban.

[getborn]

FORZA NAPOLI

marek yet again. impressive run of results & im a happy man

at least for now.

[sweeps]

2-1 EXCELLENT RESULT!

Into the top 4!

and still undefeated!

[Piola]

its napoli not chelsea...

Another great result, very efficient at home. disappointing not to see Russotto play though.

[getborn]

Napoli 2 - 1 Palermo
Hamsik 13 (N), Zalayeta 75 (N), Miccoli pen 83 (P)
Stadio San Paolo

Napoli continue their fantastic campaign by inflicting Davide Ballardini's first defeat on the Palermo bench.

The only three teams going into this midweek round still undefeated were Napoli with joint leaders Inter and Juventus. Edy Reja's men were in good shape after a 3-2 UEFA Cup victory over Benfica and 0-0 draw at Udinese despite Fabiano Santacroce's second dismissal in as many appearances. Palermo were also on a high, having notched up two straight wins since Davide Ballardini replaced Stefano Colantuono.

Ezequiel Lavezzi, Mariano Bogliacino and Igor Budan were out of action, but Fabrizio Miccoli completed a remarkable recovery from a muscular problem to start. Napoli Coach Reja faced the club he played for between 1968 and 1973.

The home side took the lead early on with a well-worked team move. Marcelo Zalayeta sent Christian Maggio down the right flank to cut back for Marek Hamsik's six-yard tap-in.

Gennaro Iezzo rushed out to close down Edison Cavani after a Fabio Simplicio assist, while Walter Gargano tested Marco Amelia at the other end.

Miccoli had a good chance to draw level, but admittedly headers are not his strong point and he wasted it from close range.

After the break Miccoli flicked up the ball to volley over, then Cavani threaded through for Miccoli, whose shot was charged down from eight yards.

Napoli doubled their lead on 75 minutes. Inacio Pia created the space and cut back for Hamsik's shot, palmed into the path of Marcelo Zalayeta. He incredibly managed to hit the bar from a yard in front of an open goal, but at least tapped in the rebound.

The Rosanero were given a way back in when a Salvatore Aronica handling offence gave Miccoli a penalty that he chipped cheekily over Iezzo.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Napoli: Iezzo; Cannavaro, Aronica, Contini; Maggio (Mannini 89), Gargano, Vitale, Hamsik; Blasi (Pia' 67); Zalayeta, Denis (Pazienza 46)

Palermo: Amelia; Cassani (Ciaramitaro 87), Bovo, Carrozzieri, Balzaretti; Nocerino (Migliaccio 75), Liverani, Bresciano (Mchedlidze 78); Simplicio; Cavani, Miccoli

Ref: Rocchi

[getborn]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLtfqwpANdw

zalayeta, some goal

[sweeps]

its napoli not chelsea...

Another great result, very efficient at home. disappointing not to see Russotto play though.

what's your point?
I'm a Nap! So i support them!

[getborn]

Reja Filled With Joy

Napoli coach Edy Reja claims he that it fills him with joy to see his squad near the top of the Serie A standings...

Napoli defeated Palermo 2-1 at the Stadio San Paolo on Wednesday evening, a victory that saw them move up to fourth place in the Serie A standings.

"Seeing Napoli at the top fills me with joy," revealed Reja, whose future was uncertain at the end of last season. "This is our ninth consecutive useful result. Tonight we played a very good game against a great Palermo."

The visitors controlled the play for long periods in the second half, but were unable to find an equalizer to Marcelo Zalayeta’s winner.

"Zalayeta? He was immense in the second half. I cannot believe we are already at this level," beamed Reja.

"(Marek) Hamsik? He has the sense of where the goal is and it seems as if his foot is a magnet. A great player."

Napoli took the lead through Hamsik in the first half, but the final few minutes were a tense affair as Fabrizio Miccoli pulled one back from the penalty spot for Palermo. However, Reja's squad held on to secure the 2-1 win.

The Partonopei are still unbeaten this season in Serie A and now look forward to their next match on Sunday against Bologna, who have collected three consecutive losses.

dangerous game, Napoli famous for failing against the bottom third.

[Napoli]

I'm very happy today - Both Napoli and Adelaide United win.

All we need to is for Napoli to win Seria A and AU to win the ACL - that would be brilliant!!!!

[El Pibe D'Oro]

Lets not start sukking each others pesce's yet, but this is simply a sensational start to the season. Udinese's form makes that point Sunday even more precious.

All the farkwits that were saying Maggio who at the start of the season when we signed him, the proof is in the pudding - he has been a standout and he simply has to play at right back for la Nazionale.

PS Where is Fonzi?

[getborn]

Lets not start sukking each others pesce's yet, but this is simply a sensational start to the season. Udinese's form makes that point Sunday even more precious.

All the farkwits that were saying Maggio who at the start of the season when we signed him, the proof is in the pudding - he has been a standout and he simply has to play at right back for la Nazionale.

PS Where is Fonzi?

he would be a happy little man

[getborn]

napoli v palermo, is there a replay on anywhere?

[Blue Mastiff]

i saw fonzi watching the adel game last nite.

was coming back from my tafe course and saw the 5 foot hair ball perched above other supporters trying to get a look in wearing his Italia top.

[delfino_1936]

can't take this, Napoli win, Lazio win, Spuds win

[Juventino]

All the farkwits that were saying Maggio who at the start of the season when we signed him, the proof is in the pudding - he has been a standout and he simply has to play at right back for la Nazionale.

Who was saying Maggio who? To me that was a superb buy as he offers plenty defensively and going forward. Probably one of the smartest buys of the trasnfer season.

[Aldo Serena]

Very good result! Without Lavezzi, I thought we may struggle - not because we don't have quality players to fill in, but the Naps seem to lift when he is playing. It looks like this squad has belief in itself, which is a huge step to take to becoming a top team.

Hamsik is incredible at the moment.

[El Pibe D'Oro]

All the farkwits that were saying Maggio who at the start of the season when we signed him, the proof is in the pudding - he has been a standout and he simply has to play at right back for la Nazionale.

Who was saying Maggio who? To me that was a superb buy as he offers plenty defensively and going forward. Probably one of the smartest buys of the trasnfer season.

Just a few mates stirring me up, hope they are reading now you bunch of wankers! Paid big money for him but he is worth every dollar and he is proving he isnt a one hit wonder.

[getborn]

All the farkwits that were saying Maggio who at the start of the season when we signed him, the proof is in the pudding - he has been a standout and he simply has to play at right back for la Nazionale.

Who was saying Maggio who? To me that was a superb buy as he offers plenty defensively and going forward. Probably one of the smartest buys of the trasnfer season.

Just a few mates stirring me up, hope they are reading now you bunch of wankers! Paid big money for him but he is worth every dollar and he is proving he isnt a one hit wonder.

maggio along with russotto,,,great buys.

[adriano10]

i stick buy the fact that I think Maggio probably was the most underrated move of the transfer market... that is a terrific buy for a club on the way up....

sitting pretty......BUT this is where the real test comes... vs Bologna this weekend...

last season they defeated the biggest clubs in Italy... they were brilliant... then theyd fall to weak sides struggling to stay in SerieA.... this is where the Napoli of 08/09 has to distinguish themselves from the side of last season..

it's great for the city, the team and the competition in general if Napoli can do it...... i picked them 4th this season... and even if im being optimistic, i think they can go very close

[Juventino]

Napoli may not have brought in a heap of players, but what has arrived (jury is still out on Denis, though he will be given time to prove himself) is quality.

[diegom]

for those that understand Nap, this guy is far.king Hilarious!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZhFbhzW ... re=related

[Blue Mastiff]

hes lost weight since last season!

still a sloth.

[Napoli_Sempre]

for those that understand Nap, this guy is far.king Hilarious!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZhFbhzW ... re=related

SUPER IEZZO SUPER IEZZO