Serie A Preview: Juventus Travels to Naples to Take on Napoli

Serie A is back after the international break with another classic and—in recent years—a fiery encounter as Napoli entertains Juventus at the Stadio San Paolo.

Last season’s corresponding fixture was a controversial one, that ended 3-1 to Napoli. Both teams lost their games prior to the international break and will be hoping to grab all three points.

JUVENTUS

The dismal start to the season has resulted in early crisis meetings as well as speculation over Ranieri’s future at the Vinovo. The inability to produce goals combined with an injury-plagued troop has seen the Bianconeri drop down to 11th place.

The damage is repairable, as only four points separate Juventus from the top. However, the game against Napoli starts a streak of tricky games and a tight schedule for Ranieri’s men. The next few weeks of tight gaming, along with the Champions League, will most likely be the decider about Ranieri’s continual with the Old Lady.

The problems the Bianconeri are experiencing can be tracked down to the midfield where the team is lacking a creative force, suggesting that Juventus could be targeting a creative midfielder when the transfer window opens in January.

There was another setback for Juventus as Buffon is now ruled out for another two months. Re-examinations showed that the goalkeeper’s injury was worse than what was initially thought. Manninger will now step in between the sticks.

Things are looking better for Camoranesi and he’s expected to be back in training next week whereas Andrade and Trezeguet are still sidelined with long-term injuries. Zanetti, Zebina, Legrottaglie, Iaquinta, and Mellberg are also ruled out of the action.

Momo Sissoko was sent off in the last game against Palermo and will be serving out his ban.

Il Capitano will be fired up for the game after being left out by Lippi in Italy’s quest to qualify for the World Cup as well as the row against Ranieri.

Juventus (probable): Manninger; Grygera, Knezevic, Chiellini, Molinaro; Marchionni, Poulsen, Marchisio, Nedved; Amauri, Del Piero.

NAPOLI

Napolis has opened the season well and despite their recent defeats at the hands of Benifica and Genoa, are sitting proudly in sixth place.

Regardless of the defeat by Genoa, it was an exhilarating game as Lavezzi gave the Azzuri the lead 26 seconds into the game. It was one of the best performances from Reja’s men so far this term and it seems the club got the purchase of the players right.

Their aggressive defense play combined with excellent passing skills has resulted in a simple but yet effective play that creates many chances. The only thing missing against Genoa was the extra bit of focus. Lavezzi was outstanding and is confirming all of his qualities from last season.

Napoli will field a full side against Juventus. Bogliciano isn’t fully fit and the only problem could be that the players away on international duties might be a bit worn out. It is still most likely that we will see the “regular” starting XI—at least in the defense with Iezzo, Santacroce, Cannavaro and Contini. The coach may have a surprise in the midfield or the offense.

Napoli (probable): Iezzo; Santacroce, Cannavaro, Contini; Maggio, Blasi, Gargano, Hamsik, Vitale; Denis, Lavezzi.