TORINO VS NAPOLI

Blue Mastiff · Post by **Blue Mastiff** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:43 pm

Serie A Week 17 - 21/12/08 (14.00 UK)
Torino - Napoli

Stadio Olimpico

Walter Novellino had the worst possible debut and now risks another humiliating experience when third-placed Napoli come to town.

The Coach took over after a 4-1 home defeat to Fiorentina caused the axe to drop on Gianni De Biasi. It had all been going so well on his opener away to Bologna, twice taking the lead, but confidence suddenly crashed and Toro were hammered 5-2.

Francesco Pratali was the worst offender and his red card in that match means he is thankfully suspended for this tie. Matteo Sereni will also have to take a long look at himself after giving away a penalty when he tried to dribble in his own box.

“We are trying to work on our mistakes in defence, but above all to rediscover this team on a psychological level, working on their minds,” said Novellino. “Now we need to find the belief in our capabilities to emerge from this tunnel, but at the moment all we can see is darkness.”

It’s all sweetness and light for Napoli, as back-to-back home wins over Siena and Lecce put them level third with Club World Cup holders Milan. “A place in the Champions League is our objective, we cannot deny it,” confessed Ezequiel Lavezzi. He won’t be able to contribute his lightning pace in Turin, as he picked up a ban along with captain Paolo Cannavaro.

It’ll still be an all South American front pairing, as the powerful duo of Argentina’s German Denis and Uruguayan Marcelo Zalayeta try to batter down the Granata. Leandro Rinaudo should take Cannavaro’s place alongside Fabiano Santacroce and Matteo Contini. Marek Hamsik may require a late fitness test after limping off with a groin strain last week.

There are precious few options for Novellino thanks to the suspended Simone Barone and Pratali. Eugenio Corini, Elvis Abbruscato and Aimo Diana are all fitness doubts, but the 4-4-2 tactics will never change. Ignazio Abate and Matteo Rubin can do real damage down the wings, while Blerim Dzemaili has been a midfield revelation. Alessandro Rosina may again be shoved on to the bench.

Keep an eye on: Ignazio Abate (Torino) – The Milan-owned Under-21 international’s injury spell coincided with Toro’s downturn, but now the zippy winger is back and suits Novellino’s 4-4-2 to a tee.

Form guide: Torino (L D L L L) Napoli (L D L W W)

Torino (probable): Sereni; Colombo, Natali, Di Loreto, Pisano; Abate, Dzemaili, P Zanetti, Rubin; Bianchi, Amoruso

Napoli (probable): Iezzo; Santacroce, Rinaudo, Contini; Maggio, Blasi, Gargano, Pazienza, Mannini; Denis, Zalayeta

Contact us:
fieditorial@channel4.com

Pictures: Richiardi (Milan)
& Getty Images (UK)

All material on this website is © C4 & JDT Sports Productions. All rights reserved.Views expressed do not necessarily represent those of C4.
Republication or redistribution of content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.

Shop
About C4
Jobs
Access Advice
Contact Us
Terms and Conditions
Privacy
Help
Advertising on 4

Blue Mastiff · Post by **Blue Mastiff** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:44 pm

LAST SEASONS REPORT CARD
Torino 2 - 1 Napoli
Rosina pen 27 (T), Contini 54 (N), Di Michele 56 (T)
Stadio Olimpico

Toro are back in business after a tough victory over Napoli, although there are complaints over the penalty.

On the 59th anniversary of the Superga air crash that wiped out Il Grande Torino and with the side hovering one point above the relegation zone, Gianni De Biasi and the fans urged their squad to put in a performance of true character today. Paolo Hernan Dellafiore and Paolo Cannavaro sat out bans, while Gianluca Comotto, Cesare Natali, Mirko Savini, Marcelo Zalayeta and Erminio Rullo were injured. Matteo Sereni returned between the posts and Navarro made his debut for the first Serie A edition of this fixture in 13 years.

Napoli got off to a strong start with Mariano Bogliacino testing Sereni at the near post, while Navarro made a good debut save on David Di Michele's deflected attempt.

There was controversy on 25 minutes when Torino were awarded a penalty for Maurizio Domizzi's challenge on Di Michele, although Napoli suggested he had tripped up over his own feet. Alessandro Rosina stepped up and delicately sent Navarro the wrong way with the inside of his left foot for Torino's first home goal in over 430 minutes of football.

Roberto Stellone hit a shot on the bounce just over the bar and Marek Hamsik skimmed the target before Ezequiel Lavezzi's solo effort flashed past the post.

Matteo Contini equalised for Napoli just before the hour mark in a chaotic move. Fabiano Santacroce may have fouled his marker for the diving header on Bogliacino's free kick, sending it into the path of Contini.

However, moments later Toro restored their advantage. Di Michele sprung the offside trap and kept his cool to slide an angled drive past Navarro with the inside of his right foot.

Hamsik's left-foot strike flashed across the face of goal, while an almost identical move to his goal saw Di Michele fire off target.

Emanuele Calaio's header skimmed the bar as Napoli tried until the end to snatch a point.

Torino: Sereni; Motta, Lanna, Di Loreto, Pisano; Corini, Diana (Recoba 73), Zanetti, Rosina (Franceschini 77); Di Michele, Stellone

Napoli: Navarro; Santacroce, Contini, Cupi (Garics 65); Mannini (Capparella 80), Blasi, Gargano, Hamsik; Domizzi, Bogliacino (Calaio' 62); Lavezzi

Ref: De Marco

Blue Mastiff · Post by **Blue Mastiff** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:46 pm

Salvio Open To Napoli Move

The Argentine starlet is aware of the Partenopei’s interest and reveals that he would relish the opportunity of playing in Serie A.

Eduardo Salvio has been linked with a host of Italian clubs over the past few weeks, including Juventus and Inter, but Napoli have now allegedly joined the hunt to capture the Lanus rising star.

“I would be really proud to play in Naples,” the 18-year-old striker told Tuttonapoli.net.

“I have heard about their interest, but there has been no real approach so far. I just have to keep calm and think about improving, but I would really love to play in the Italian championship.”

The Vesuviani have already an established Argentine colony at the Stadio San Paolo, which could aid his settling in process.

“Ezequiel Lavezzi is a great player, I’m really fascinated by his qualities,” he enthused, “[German] Denis is a proven marksman and I also like [Nicolas] Navarro very much.

“I dream of playing for the national side under [Diego] Maradona, as he is a symbol for all the Argentines and we are all proud to see him leading the Seleccion.”

Blue Mastiff · Post by **Blue Mastiff** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:47 pm

Napoli To Replace Zalayeta With A Polish Starlet?

With Marcelo Zalayeta nearing an exit, Napoli have turned to Poland in search for a replacement.

Napoli climbed to third in the standings following their 3-0 demolition of Lecce at the weekend. The club are now well positioned heading into the winter break, as they continue their quest to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

With this in mind, the club have affirmed that there will not be any significant changes made, in terms of personnel at the club, during the January transfer window, with the exception of perhaps the arrival of a new striker to replace Marcelo Zalayeta, who is nearing an exit.

If the Uruguayan does leave the Azzurri, then Robert Lewandowski from Polish outfit, Lech Poznan, would be the most likely replacement, as Napoli have already expressed their interest in him, according to Tuttomercatoweb.

The move could take place in as early as January, according to the reports, meaning that Zalayeta may be closer than expected to a move away from the club.

As for Lewandowski, he is a 20-year-old centre forward, who has earned four caps for the Polish national team.

El Pocho Lavezzi · Post by **El Pocho Lavezzi** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:10 pm

This match seems perfect to give Russotto a chance next to Denis!

Juventino · Post by **Juventino** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:49 pm

Forza Napoli

Napoli_Sempre · Post by **Napoli_Sempre** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:59 pm

must win game we can't drop points if we want to keep up with that prized CL spot

We must also prove that we can win without our big guns

Blue Mastiff · Post by **Blue Mastiff** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:48 am

Real Madrid 'are watching Maggio

Real Madrid have sent emissaries to prepare a bid for Napoli star Christian Maggio, reveals his agent.

“I know specifically that a few scouts came to Naples to look at other players, but were struck by Maggio's quality,” said Massimo Briaschi on Radio Kiss Kiss.

“The Real Madrid emissaries were very impressed by Christian. I know that this situation exists and there is definite interest.

“However, the player is settled at Napoli and the club is happy to have him in the squad.”

Maggio has been impressive since he moved from Sampdoria in the summer and did enough to earn his Italy debut.

The 26-year-old winger began his career at Vicenza before spells at Fiorentina, Treviso, Sampdoria and Napoli.

Blue Mastiff · Post by **Blue Mastiff** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:49 am

Coppa: Toro knock Fiorentina out

Torino have knocked Fiorentina out of the Coppa Italia with a shock away victory thanks to Rolando Bianchi. They hadn't won here in over 30 years and progress to face Lazio in the quarter-finals.

The Granata were certainly the underdogs for this one-off battle for a place in the quarter-finals, especially as they had lost 4-1 when these teams met 10 days ago.

At the time Gianni De Biasi was on the bench, but Walter Novellino needed a boost after he was crushed 5-2 by Bologna on his debut.

Fiorentina were almost forced to field their strongest line-up, as Giampaolo Pazzini came down with gastroenteritis and Daniel Pablo Osvaldo was injured.

Toro took the lead after 19 minutes at the startled Stadio Franchi when Bianchi came sliding in on Francesco Vailatti's sweeping cross from the right. Marker Da Costa could perhaps have been more alert, as he was late to the ball.

Adrian Mutu went close to an equaliser, bringing a decisive challenge out of Cesare Natali, while Sergio Almiron skimmed the woodwork with a screamer from distance. Both Almiron and goalscorer Bianchi went off with fitness problems during the first half.

Alex Calderoni flew to palm a Zdravko Kuzmanovic free kick out from under the bar and Luciano Zauri drilled just over.

At the dawn of the second half Calderoni was called into an even better save on Alberto Gilardino's sudden right-foot snapshot under the bar and Kuzmanovic struck the side-netting, as Fiorentina turned up the pressure.

Gila was expected to equalise with a free header from six yards, but he nodded Kuzmanovic's cross off target! Calderoni smothered Manuel Pasqual's half-volley from outside the box.

Toro were suffering under the pressure and also lost Vailatti to injury, while Fiorentina threw on former Granata star Gianluca Comotto.

Torino's defence was a shambles when a free kick was whipped in, but fortunately for them three unmarked Viola players failed to get a clean contact on the ball from six yards, as Mutu, Gilardino and Santana all stumbled.

Stevan Jovetic was tripped on the very edge of the penalty area five minutes from time, but Mutu ballooned the free kick well over.

Fiorentina were dominating the second half, but Nicola Ventola almost put the result beyond doubt with an 88th-minute counter-attack, Marco Storari performing his only real save to parry Nicola Ventola's angled drive.

Pisano did just enough to prevent Gilardino's goal, as he got between the striker and goalkeeper to shepherd the ball.

There was a curious moment in stoppages, as Ventola went down under a clumsy challenge and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. However, within seconds he had changed his mind, as the linesman signalled the ball had gone out of play, but only after the challenge.

Fiorentina 0-1 Torino

Scorers: Bianchi 19 (T)

Fiorentina: Storari, Zauri (Comotto 72), Da Costa, Kroldrup, Pasqual, Donadel (Santana 58), Melo, Almiron (Kuzmanovic 37), Jovetic, Gilardino, Mutu

Torino: Calderoni, Colombo, Natali, Pisano, Rubin; Ogbonna, Dzemaili, Zanetti, Vailatti (Saumel 71); Amoruso (Ventola 46), Bianchi (Stellone 31)

Ref: Damato

EDISON CAVANI · Post by **EDISON CAVANI** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:28 am

going to be tough, especially after Toro's mini-resurgence this morning away to la Viola in the Coppa...we need to get points, hopefully 3 but a draw is on the cards...

zalayeta has a point to prove, true we'll hopefully see Russotto get a chance as well.

Blue Mastiff · Post by **Blue Mastiff** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:39 am

Incio Piá will come on before Rusotto.

hes a little predator and should be rewarded for his preseason form in front of goals.

Aldo Serena · Post by **Aldo Serena** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:55 am

Blue Mastiff wrote:Incio Piá will come on before Rusotto

I am pretty sure Pia is injured.

EDISON CAVANI · Post by **EDISON CAVANI** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 12:03 pm

Pia' is definetely injured...hasn't been on the bench for a while...

if we are leading you'll definetely see russotto get a run...

Piola · Post by **Piola** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 1:22 pm

Blue Mastiff wrote:Coppa: Toro knock Fiorentina out

Torino have knocked Fiorentina out of the Coppa Italia with a shock away victory thanks to Rolando Bianchi. They hadn't won here in over 30 years and progress to face Lazio in the quarter-finals.

The Granata were certainly the underdogs for this one-off battle for a place in the quarter-finals, especially as they had lost 4-1 when these teams met 10 days ago.

At the time Gianni De Biasi was on the bench, but Walter Novellino needed a boost after he was crushed 5-2 by Bologna on his debut.

Fiorentina were almost forced to field their strongest line-up, as Giampaolo Pazzini came down with gastroenteritis and Daniel Pablo Osvaldo was injured.

Toro took the lead after 19 minutes at the startled Stadio Franchi when Bianchi came sliding in on Francesco Vailatti's sweeping cross from the right. Marker Da Costa could perhaps have been more alert, as he was late to the ball.

Adrian Mutu went close to an equaliser, bringing a decisive challenge out of Cesare Natali, while Sergio Almiron skimmed the woodwork with a screamer from distance. Both Almiron and goalscorer Bianchi went off with fitness problems during the first half.

Alex Calderoni flew to palm a Zdravko Kuzmanovic free kick out from under the bar and Luciano Zauri drilled just over.

At the dawn of the second half Calderoni was called into an even better save on Alberto Gilardino's sudden right-foot snapshot under the bar and Kuzmanovic struck the side-netting, as Fiorentina turned up the pressure.

Gila was expected to equalise with a free header from six yards, but he nodded Kuzmanovic's cross off target! Calderoni smothered Manuel Pasqual's half-volley from outside the box.

Toro were suffering under the pressure and also lost Vailatti to injury, while Fiorentina threw on former Granata star Gianluca Comotto.

Torino's defence was a shambles when a free kick was whipped in, but fortunately for them three unmarked Viola players failed to get a clean contact on the ball from six yards, as Mutu, Gilardino and Santana all stumbled.

Stevan Jovetic was tripped on the very edge of the penalty area five minutes from time, but Mutu ballooned the free kick well over.

Fiorentina were dominating the second half, but Nicola Ventola almost put the result beyond doubt with an 88th-minute counter-attack, Marco Storari performing his only real save to parry Nicola Ventola's angled drive.

Pisano did just enough to prevent Gilardino's goal, as he got between the striker and goalkeeper to shepherd the ball.

There was a curious moment in stoppages, as Ventola went down under a clumsy challenge and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. However, within seconds he had changed his mind, as the linesman signalled the ball had gone out of play, but only after the challenge.

Fiorentina 0-1 Torino

Scorers: Bianchi 19 (T)

Fiorentina: Storari, Zauri (Comotto 72), Da Costa, Kroldrup, Pasqual, Donadel (Santana 58), Melo, Almiron (Kuzmanovic 37), Jovetic, Gilardino, Mutu

Torino: Calderoni, Colombo, Natali, Pisano, Rubin; Ogbonna, Dzemaili, Zanetti, Vailatti (Saumel 71); Amoruso (Ventola 46), Bianchi (Stellone 31)

Ref: Damato

thank fuck for that!!!

no we get an easy passage to the semis

Blue Mastiff · Post by **Blue Mastiff** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 2:12 pm

was thinking the same think as i casted my eyes over the results played overnite.

bastardos

Blue Mastiff · Post by **Blue Mastiff** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:53 pm

Suspended Lavezzi Expects Napoli Victory Against Torino

The Partenopei will be without Lavezzi and Hamsik, among others, for their final match of the year with Torino this weekend.

Napoli are currently in third spot in the Serie A standings, equal on points with Milan but ahead on goal difference, following their 3-0 demolition of Lecce in the last round of games.

This weekend they face Torino at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin, and they will be keen to maintain their third spot, by ending the year on a high.

It won’t be easy for the Partenopei however, as they will face a determined side that will be desperate to attain a result, having only managed a single draw in their past five league outings.

Napoli will be without two of their stars for the clash, as Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik are both ruled out due to suspension and injury respectively.

As a result of his ban, Lavezzi has been permitted to leave Naples, in order to return to his native Argentina for the Christmas period.

Prior to leaving the Italian peninsula, the promising striker spoke to Sky, and declared that, “when I return to Naples, the club will still be in third place.”

In other team news for the club, Fabiano Santacroce is certain to play from the start; Michele Pazienza is the man most likely to replace Hamsik in midfield, whilst Marcelo Zalayeta is all but certain to start in place of Lavezzi in attack.

Walter Gargano has also been declared fit to play, having overcome a slight thigh strain, as a result of an ultrasound that proved no damage had been done.

The two sides do battle this Sunday with play getting underway at 15:00 CET.

Blue Mastiff · Post by **Blue Mastiff** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:55 pm

Napoli Not Interested In Pazzini

Giampaolo Pazzini's agent has declared that Napoli have no interest in acquiring his client...

Fiorentina's unsettled striker, Giampaolo Pazzini has been associated with a whole host of clubs after making it clear his intention is to find more playing time elsewhere.

The 24-year-old is sought after by many admirers, but according to his agent, Tiberio Cavalleri, Napoli is not one of the clubs interested in his services.

"It's difficult to predict what will happen in the market in January," he told Napoli radio station RadioKissKiss. "The fact is that there are many clubs looking to fill in certain roles and therefore something could happen.

"We must find a club willing to invest in these times of economic crisis. We spoke with Napoli, but they don't seem interested in making a move."

Napoli are more likely to concentrate on keeping their current stars like Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik, who have attracted plenty of interest from big clubs themselves because of their excellent performance this season. Meanwhile, Pazzini has more strongly been linked with Sampdoria.

Blue Mastiff · Post by **Blue Mastiff** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:56 pm

Cannavaro Set To Sign Real Madrid Extension - Reports

Reports in the peninsula claim that Canna has reached an agreement to extend his stay at the Bernabeu past this season.

Fabio Cannavaro’s current deal was set to expire next June and his representatives had been in talk with Real Madrid for several weeks.

There were rumours last week that new Merengues boss Juande Ramos was not keen on keeping hold of the 2006 World Cup winner, who could have walked away as a free agent next summer.

However, Tuttonapoli.net reports this morning that he has agreed a one-year contract renewal and will earn around €3 million.

Serie A side Napoli had been hoping to re-sign their former youth product and form a defensive partnership with his brother Paolo.

The Italy captain played at the Stadio San Paolo from 1992 to 1995, before moving on to Parma, Inter and Juventus, which he left to join Real in the wake of Calciopoli, in the summer of 2006.

Blue Mastiff · Post by **Blue Mastiff** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:58 pm

Blasi’s Agent: Milan, Take Him! Marino: He’s Going Nowhere!

The midfielder’s agent feels that his client would suit the Rossoneri, but the Partenopei sporting director insists that he is staying put.

Milan are in desperate need of a sturdy midfield man who would be able to adequately replace Gennaro Gattuso, as he will be out for at least six months after damaging knee ligaments earlier this month.

The Stadio San Siro club have been linked with a host of names over the past few days, including Sampdoria captain Angelo Palombo and Roma’s revelation Matteo Brighi, but Napoli star Manuele Blasi was also mentioned yesterday.

“Are they tracking him? This is a million dollar question,” his agent Davide Lippi smiled on Radio Kiss Kiss. “I don’t think Milan are looking for a midfielder, but two of my clients, Blasi and [Marco] Donadel, would really suit their needs.”

But the Campani have quickly moved to quash the rumours and reiterated that the 28-year-old is not for sale.

“Our star players have important contracts and I don’t feel the need to repeat this again,” director of sport Pierpaolo Marino told Mediaset Premium. “He is with Napoli and will not be moving next month.”

Missing Post Count · Post by **Missing Post Count** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 12:09 am

Torino and AC Milan have been awarded the most penalties this season (six).
Seven of the last nine Serie A meetings between Torino and Napoli have ended in a draw.
The Partenopei have never scored more than one goal in their last 26 visits to Torino in the top division.
The Granata have picked up only one point in the last five fixtures of the league, and conceded nine goals in the last 180 minutes.
Napoli have lost the last three away games of the season, and have won only eight of their 30 points in the league away from home.
Torino have scored the first goal of the game eight times this term, but managed to win only on three occasions, drawing three and losing twice. Every time they have conceded first, they have always lost the game (eight times).

delfino_1936 · Post by **delfino_1936** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 1:49 am

Juventino wrote:Forza Toro

getborn · Post by **getborn** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 8:42 am

Torino-Napoli: le formazioni

Torino (4-4-2): Sereni; Colombo, Natali, Di Loreto, Pisano; Abate, Dzemaili, P.Zanetti, Rubin; Stellone, Amoruso. A disposizione: Calderoni, Franceschini, Ogbonna, Vailatti, Saumel, Rosina, Ventola. All. Novellino. Indisponibili: Abbruscato, R.Bianchi, Malonga, Barone (squalificato, 1), Pratali (squalificato, 1).

Napoli (4-4-2): Iezzo; Santacroce, Rinaudo, Contini; Maggio, Blasi, Pazienza, Bogliacino, Mannini; Denis, Zalayeta. A disposizione: Navarro, Aronica, Grava, Vitale, Montervino, Russotto, Pià. All.: Reja. Indisponibili: Cannavaro (squalificato, 1), Lavezzi (squalificato, 1), Hamsyk, Gargano.

Blue Mastiff · Post by **Blue Mastiff** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 1:58 pm

Two weeks ago, this fixture looked like a great way to finish up the first half of the season. Torino were slumping, and there were fan protests against President Urbano Cairo and manager Gianni De Biasi. The team had just suffered a crushing 4-1 home defeat to Fiorentina, and were seemingly on their way to getting relegated.

Today things could not be more different. New manager Walter Novellino made his presence felt after a humiliating 5-2 loss to Bologna, and on Wednesday the Granata stuned Fiorentina 1-0 in the Coppa Italia.

To make things more complicated, Napoli will be missing the suspended Ezequiel Lavezzi and Paolo Cannavaro, and the injured Marek Hamsik.

There is also the issue of Daniele Mannini, who is facing a court appearance on Friday as a result of his drug test infraction. All of the sudden this game has turned into a huge test of Napoli’s depth, and our ability to win on the road. Facing a rejuvenated Torino side with a new manager only makes the situation worse. On the positive side, Torino has their share of injuries and suspensions as well.

Midfielder Aimo Diana is out, and attacking midfielder Alessandro Rosina currently has a fever. He is likely to recover in time, but his match fitness won’t be 100%. Defender Francesco Pratali and midfielder Simone Barone are also suspended, and midfielder Eugenio Corini and sriker Elvis Abbruscato are injury doubts.

By my count Torino could be missing four midfielders: Diana, Rosina, Corini, and Barone. However, the Granata have some pretty good depth for a team that is currently sitting in a relegation spot. Midfielders still available are Italy U-21 Ignazio Abate, who is owned by AC Milan, and Swiss international Blerim Dzemaili, who is on loan from English side Bolton Wanderers. Left footed defender Matteo Rubin is also good at attacking, and could move up to midfield for this game. The three young players have impressed, and Abate in particular has been marked as a future Italy internatinoal.

Up front Torino is lead by Rolando Bianchi, who had a great season at Reggina two years ago before making a high priced move to Manchester City. Bianchi never adapted to the English game and lifestyle (women’s genitals not clean enough?) and moved back to the peninsula to rejuvenate his career. He is joined in attack by veteran striker Nicola Ventola, whose prolific performances for Bari and Inter as a youngster have declined with age.

Torino also have a strong veteran keeper in Matteo Sereni. The former Lazio man has put on some impressive displays, and pundits have put him on the depth chart for Italy’s #3 goalkeeper. I don’t think he was ever seriously considered, but on his day he seems capable of reaching a pretty good level.

Looking at Torino’s squad on paper, they seem have some good veteran players and a lot of depth. I’m shocked that they’re in 18th place with only 12 points from 16 games. Apparently Gianni De Biasi was the problem, as they seem to have enough talent and experience to at least stay in Serie A, if not secure a comfortable mid table position. The team has conceded 29 goals so far, second worst only to Reggina, and their back four is a definite weak area. Missing Pratali won’t make things any easier for them on Sunday.

Both these teams have a lot to play for - Napoli a Champions League spot, and Torino a place in Serie A next season. It’s hard to foresee how each team will approach this game, especially with each side missing so many players.

Obviously Napoli will expect to win, but they couldn’t beat Torino is two attempts last season and are missing three core players.

Torino have started to pay more attention to team defence under Novellino, and will likely see a draw as a positive result.

I think it will come down to whether or not Napoli’s reseves can execute a good away performance, and it could be similar to the Bologna game where we needed a late goal to claim all three points against a relegation candidate.

On the other hand, if Reja does his job and the team plays a smart game it could be a comfortable win.

Napoli probably lineup: Iezzo - Santacroce, Rinaudo, Contini - Maggio, Blasi, Gargano, Pazienza, Mannini - Zalayeta, Denis

Torino probably lineup: Sereni - Colombo, Natali, Di Loreto, Pisano - Abate, Dzemaili, P Zanetti, Rubin - Bianchi, Amoruso

Key questions:

Can Napoli put in a mature road game without its best two attacking players?

Has Novellino been at Torino long enough to stop whatever bad defensive habits they displayed earlier in the season?

Juventino · Post by **Juventino** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 2:09 pm

This match is live on ESPN

Blue Mastiff · Post by **Blue Mastiff** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 10:09 pm

Two teams on opposite sides of the table will face-off in Turin on Sunday.

Torino Trying To Turn Things Around

There was no choice but to fire Gianni De Biasi. The Granata have fallen into the relegation zone and needed a change. Whether the returning Walter Novellino is the right choice remains to be seen.

There are signs of a turnaround though as Torino were victorious by a 1-0 scoreline over Fiorentina, Bianchi netting the lone strike that will boost the struggling striker’s confidence ahead of this match with the Partenopei. Novellino has for the most part used the same system and players as De Biasi, so his work will need to be based on getting the players to believe they can achieve salvation.

Torino were keeping up with Bologna until the second half of last week’s 5-2 drubbing. The team all of a sudden fell apart, allowing Bologna to grab a resounding victory. Napoli present even more of an offensive threat, so Torino will have to avoid the kind of mistakes they committed at the Renato Dall’Ara.

Napoli Knocking On Champions League Door

The southern Italian side are still flying high this season, sitting in joint-third place with AC Milan. It is no secret that the dream of president Aurelio De Laurentiis is for his club to make the Champions League, and currently they are on course to meet that goal.

Coach Edy Reja's players are certainly developing well this season. Paolo Cannavaro, Marek Hamsik, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Cristian Maggio, Gennaro Iezzo, and several other of the Partenopei have all performed admirably, allowing the club to keep pace with Serie A’s bigger clubs. However, Napoli will be missing the trio of Cannavaro, Lavezzi and Hamsik for various reasons on Sunday, and this will definitely have an impact in Turin.

The Granata are desperate for points, having fallen so far in the standings. Napoli will feel this game is still winnable without a few of their stars, as they maintain their push to reach Europe’s premier competition next season.

FORM GUIDE

Torino

17 December (Coppa Italia): Fiorentina 0-1 Torino

14 December (Serie A): Bologna 5-2 Torino

07 December (Serie A): Torino 1-4 Fiorentina

30 November (Serie A): Siena 1-0 Torino

23 November (Serie A): Torino 2-2 Milan

Napoli

14 December (Serie A): Napoli 3-0 Lecce

07 December (Serie A): Napoli 2-0 Siena

30 November (Serie A): Inter 2-1 Napoli

23 November (Serie A): Napoli 2-2 Cagliari

16 November (Serie A): Atalanta 3-1 Napoli

TEAM NEWS

Torino

New coach Walter Novellino is likely to keep star-player Alessandro Rosina on the bench as the playmaker is suffering from the 'flu. Eugenio Corini remains sidelined. Suspensions will rob him of the hardworking Simone Barone and Francesco Pratali. Rolando Biacnhi will keep his place up-front after scoring in midweek Coppa Italia action.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Sereni – Ogbonna, Natali, Di Loreto, Pisano –Abate, Zanetti, Dzemaili, Rubin – Bianchi, Amoruso

Napoli

Reja has to deal with several key absences for this match. Paolo Cannavaro and the influential Ezequiel Lavezzi are suspended. Meanwhile, the man who links midfield and attack, Marek Hamsik, is unlikely to feature after the injury he sustained in the 3-0 win over Lecce.

Probable Starting XI (3-5-2): Iezzo – Santacroce, Rinaudo, Contini – Maggio, Blasi, Gargano, Pazienza, Mannini – Denis, Zalayeta

PLAYERS TO WATCH

It is rarely an easy day at the office for goalkeeper Matteo Sereni of Torino. The former Lazio and Brescia goalkeeper will need to be at his best to give his side a win against an offensive Napoli side.

With two of Napoli’s biggest weapons out, the men who replace them will have to try to fill their shoes as much as possible. Michele Pazienza did a decent job last time out, scoring his first Serie A goal after coming on the pitch. Marcelo Zalayeta has performed in spurts this season, but will need more consistency if he wants to displace German Denis in the starting eleven once Lavezzi returns.

PREDICTION

The Granata will be on a high after their Coppa Italia victory over Fiorentina, and Napoli - without their two most creative forces - may struggle to carve out opportunities.

Torino 1-1 Napoli

pires7 · Post by **pires7** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 1:21 am

Rosina coming on has shifted the momentum to Torino, couple half chances missed

0-0 HT

BAGGIO 15 · Post by **BAGGIO 15** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 1:24 am

delfino_1936 wrote:
Juventino wrote:Forza Toro

pires7 · Post by **pires7** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 1:25 am

Do IVECO sponsor Juve?

Juventino · Post by **Juventino** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 1:30 am

pires7 wrote:Do IVECO sponsor Juve?

Nope, why?

pires7 · Post by **pires7** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 1:35 am

Juventino wrote:
pires7 wrote:Do IVECO sponsor Juve?
Nope, why?

Just interesting that Torino are sponsored by 'Renault trucks' when Iveco, a major company itself part of the FIAT group, is based in Turin.

Home | Forums | Photos | Video | Blog | About | Contact

TORINO VS NAPOLI

TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI

Re: TORINO VS NAPOLI