SSC Napoli

[RomaShield27]

– FEBRUARY 23RD, 2011 BY ADAM DIGBY

A quick glance at the Serie A table with twelve games to go, with Milan in first place as they have been for much of the season, and a resurgent Inter close behind in third is a familiar tale, albeit with the roles reversed for the first time in a number of years.

Yet between San Siro’s two huge clubs sit SSC Napoli, just three points off top spot heading into this weekends clash with Milan. They last breathed this rarefied air when Diego Maradona was in his prime in the late 1980′s and very early 90′s, when the Calcio landscape was very different. Could we really be set for a repeat of those glorious days in the shadow of Vesuvius with the current squad?

Last season they went from the ridiculous under Roberto Donadoni to quite sublime after appointing Walter Mazzarri, almost breaking into the top four but fading to finish sixth and snatching a Europa League spot. Owner Aurelio De Laurentiis was clearly pleased with the progress and throughout the summer he made changes to the squad to make it better suited to the new coach, shedding good players who no longer fitted the system such as Luca Cigarini and Erwin Hoffer.

Then came a huge surprise with the departure of Fabio Quagliarella after less than a year at his hometown club, and his destination made the situation even harder to stomach, shocking the city and leaving the fans stunned. Losing a good quality native son is always hard, to lose him to hated rivals Juventus makes it impossible.

But seen as a Donadoni signing and then struggling for form, Napoli felt they had no choice but to move him on, after circumstances conspired to make his chances of success almost impossible. To Quagliarella’s credit he went onto the Curva after the move was finalised and told the Ultra his reasons for wanting to move. One thing that is certain however, is that is was not for money, with a 33 per cent pay cut from his wages in Naples to those he now earns in Turin.

Yet earlier in the summer Edinson Cavani had arrived from Palermo, a player who had spent most of his career up to that point telling anyone who would listen that he should not be used out wide as he often was both by the Rosanero and the Uruguayan National team. Unlike so many previous coaches Mazzarri listened, making Cavani the focal point of his attack. Not only would he surpass expectations and outshine anything Quagliarella had done at the club, he has all but secured a place in Napoli history.

Cavani has made a sensational start to life in Naples, 20 goals in 26 games in Serie A sees him atop the leagues top scoring charts ahead of much bigger – and more expensive – names. He netted just 37 times in three years with Palermo yet at this point in time he has just ten less than that already once his seven Europa League goals are added in. He has also added six International goals this season to his previous tally of just two for La Celeste proving that his consistent form is no trick.

The only player in the clubs history to end a campaign as the leagues top scorer is of course Maradona who managed the feat with just 15 goals in 1987-88 and the single season scoring record belongs to Antonio Vojak who netted 22 eighty years ago. With twelve games remaining it is hard to see el Matador not getting the three strikes he needs to take that record.

To make it solely about the striker however does a huge disservice to some other players quietly having great seasons. He is supported in attack by the excellent – and much admired – Marek Hamsik who has added eight goals himself and the lively Ezequiel Lavezzi who has become vital to the sides performances. He has only netted five times in the league but has ten assists which highlights his creativity and importance to the team.

Ex-Juventus goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis may have lost his place in the Italy squad following the World Cup but he is invaluable to this Napoli and has made a number of vital saves already this season. He, like many of his team-mates may not be a household name but he is out-performing a number of better known ‘keepers this campaign.

The defence in front of him has defied all expectation as Paolo Cannavaro and Hugo Campagnaro have been fantastic almost every game. While the injury to Gianluca Grava was expected to hinder them, Salvatore Aronica has slotted in comfortably as the three men continue to perform far better as a unit than you would expect from players of their talent.

It is here where the true reason for their success lies – that three man defence at the heart of their 3-4-2-1 formation. It works so well for a number of reasons, not least of which is the wide-spread use of 4-3-1-2 in Italy, a system that plays directly to Napoli’s strengths. Giving them an extra man in midfield and having no wide players to force Cristian Maggio and Andrea Dossena to play from a deeper position ensures they are almost always on the front foot, able to start from an advanced position and support the attack at every opportunity. Allied to this is the opposition back four struggling to identify direct opponents from the extremely mobile and fluid Cavani-Hamsik-Lavezzi trio, all factors combining as the team benefit from the framework Mazzarri has provided.

With even the suspension of Lavezzi failing to slow them down this team does not look like having the fall from grace so many have predicted. A unique system, a unique city and a unique situation at the summit of Serie A may all leave San Gennaro smiling on Napoli once again.

[Messinterista]

Perhaps, Italy's only chance at European success this season...

[RomaShield27]

Well Napoli demonstrated to all the calcio world tonight they are not ready to be considered serious scudetto contenders and have no place up at the very top of the table. A CL side, sure, and maybe they can build on that if they get it, but they're not ready yet. Very poor showing from them, not just in terms of their performance or tactics, but their attitude and mental approach to this game was never right from the start, and they looked nervous and shaky throughout. Mazzarri has to shoulder a lot of the blame for setting his side up in such a way and for trying to play pure long ball tactics for the first period of the game, and they just never settled at all and never looked like troubling Milan's goal. I can't even remember them having one decent chance in the whole game, and Hamsik and Lavezzi done very little and had very little support.

[Messinterista]

Serie A Week 28 - 6/3/11 (14.00 UK)
Napoli 0 - 0 Brescia
Stadio San Paolo

Napoli's downturn in form continues with this disappointing stalemate against relegation battlers Brescia.

Walter Mazzarri insisted his men had "not become losers overnight" after their 3-0 defeat to Milan saw them slide down to third place. Ezequiel Lavezzi continued his ban, joining the injured Gianluca Grava, but this time Juan Zuniga took over. Brescia were smarting from their controversial draw with Lecce, having been 2-0 up.

In the opening minute, Edinson Cavani tried an acrobatic back-heel flick from a corner that goalkeeper Arcari blocked right on the line at the near post.

El Matador had another attempt, this time a screamer from distance that stung Arcari's palms as it threatened to flash across him. Zuniga's solo effort was straight at the goalkeeper, but Brescia lost Zambelli to a muscular injury.

Napoli began to lay siege with Arcari under constant pressure. Marek Hamsik had two chances in quick succession, the first denied by Arcari and the second fired just off target from distance.

Arcari flew to fingertip a dangerous looping Zuniga header out from under the bar. There was controversy when Coach Mazzarri was sent off for protesting as Accardi clashed with Christian Maggio.

Brescia were pinned back, but threatened to win it on the counter-attack when Alessandro Diamanti got away from Andrea Dossena to fire just over the bar.

Walter Gargano also drilled past the crossbar from distance, then Giuseppe Mascara had penalty appeals waved away and reacted in an ill-tempered scuffle with Mareco.

Cristiano Lucarelli came off the bench after his long injury lay-off and almost won it late on, but Andrea Caracciolo acted as defender to deny his header.

Caracciolo almost secured a shock victory for Brescia deep into injury time, but fired straight at Morgan De Sanctis on the counter-attack. Caracciolo again wasted when he tried to roll it back into the path of Eder and misplaced the pass.

Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica (Yebda 82); Maggio, Gargano, Pazienza (C Lucarelli 74), Dossena (Mascara 60); Hamsik, Zuniga; Cavani

Brescia: Arcari; Zebina, Mareco, Zoboli, Zambelli (Accardi 21); Kone (Eder 83), Vass, Hatemaj, Berardi; Diamanti (Lanzafame 77), Caracciolo

Ref: Mazzoleni

Source: http://football-italia.net/sa1011/nap-bre.html

[cassano7]

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[Messinterista]

Mazzarri doesn't listen to rumours

Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri says he doesn't listen to rumours like the ones circulating about Juventus planning to hire him this summer.

Last night Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis told reporters that Mazzarri could leave but also revealed his belief that he wouldn't betray the club.

Speaking to Radio Marte, Mazzarri said: “I am experienced and I don't listen to rumours when the season is still in course.

“Regarding the clubs who are following me, I have simply thanked them, it's a reason to be proud and De Laurentiis has also confirmed as much.

“The relationship with the President is exceptional. We work in harmony. We have undertaken a path of dizzying improvement and that must continue.

“It's normal that at the end of the season we'll sit around a table and draw out the guidelines regardless of the contracts.

“I haven't any kind of problem neither with the club nor the city. As for the rest, nothing else interests me. We must finish the season well without allowing rumours to distract us.”

Source: http://football-italia.net/mar15k.html

[RomaShield27]

Good news for Napoli if they can qualify for the CL:



– Wednesday 30 March, 2011

[RomaShield27]

Napoli won 4-3 against the lazie today, the second 45 minutes of football was pure up and down calcio crazyness. Just pure madness, serious entertainment value, I'd highly recommend downloading and watching this:

2nd Half
Code:
FILESERVE:
http://www.fileserve.com/file/kfuc5NK/N ... .part1.rar
http://www.fileserve.com/file/2VvUxsC/N ... .part2.rar
http://www.fileserve.com/file/b7eeU3v/N ... .part3.rar


FILESONIC:
http://www.filesonic.com/file/475448131 ... .part1.rar
http://www.filesonic.com/file/480111681 ... .part2.rar
http://www.filesonic.com/file/480326011 ... .part3.rar


UPLOADED:
http://ul.to/komkqlir/Napoli-Lazio.2nd.part1.rar
http://ul.to/dxavkdhj/Napoli-Lazio.2nd.part2.rar
http://ul.to/upj9oahc/Napoli-Lazio.2nd.part3.rar


UPLOADSTATION:
http://www.uploadstation.com/file/XZZCH ... .part1.rar
http://www.uploadstation.com/file/PYUvq ... .part2.rar
http://www.uploadstation.com/file/Ym3vJ ... .part3.rar

[Messinterista]

Bologna - Napoli
Stadio Dall'Ara

Napoli are right back in the Scudetto race and have the opportunity to close further on Milan, but must do it without talisman Edinson Cavani.

The Vesuviani’s dream campaign continues and they are now considered the primary contenders for the title. Last week’s Milan derby and their own epic 4-3 victory over Lazio propelled Walter Mazzarri’s men into second place, just three points adrift of the Serie A leaders. The Scudetto had been only a pipe dream, but considering the remaining fixtures and current form, it could well be a reality.

Napoli were trailing 2-0 on home turf to Lazio on Sunday morning and looked to have once again ‘bottled’ a big game. However, in the second half a flurry of goals and Cavani hat-trick turned it all around for the heart-stopping 4-3 win. “This proves we never give up. Ever,” beamed Coach Mazzarri. This club hasn’t been so high up the standings since March 1990, when they went on to win the trophy.

Cavani picked up a yellow card in that match and will therefore be suspended at the Dall’Ara. The only other absentee is the injured Gianluca Grava. There are different options for the attack in El Matador’s absence, including veteran Cristiano Lucarelli or more likely ex-Catania forward Giuseppe Mascara. That tactic would push Ezequiel Lavezzi into a centre-forward role, allowing him to use his blistering pace to spring the offside trap or just run at defenders. Hassan Yebda again looks set to pip Walter Gargano to a midfield spot.

Bologna have already won their personal Scudetto by securing mid-table safety well in advance despite crippling financial problems and a three-point penalty. This week the club appointed Alberto Guaraldi as their fifth President in the last 10 months, so stability really has not been a luxury the team could afford this season.

Perhaps understandably, the side lost a little of that determination in a 3-1 defeat to Brescia on Saturday. They were steamrollered from the get-go against a team battling against relegation and in far more desperate need of points. Bologna are back on familiar territory now and have lost only twice at the Dall’Ara all season.

Gyorgy Garics, Bruno Montelongo and possibly Henry Gimenez are the only absentees for the Rossoblu. They have settled a variable system with Gaston Ramirez, Albin Ekdal and Francesco Della Rocca taking different positions behind veteran centre-forward Marco Di Vaio. The Napoli defence looked rather weak against Lazio, so an old pro like Di Vaio can probably be counted on to unlock them at least once.

Gaby Mudingayi returns from a long injury lay-off to take his place in central midfield, sending Rene Krhin on to the bench. This provides even greater protection to one of the strongest home defences in the League, as Bologna have conceded only 12 here all term.

Keep an eye on: Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli) – With Cavani sitting out a ban, El Pocho could be pushed into a more advanced tactical position that he already adopted with some success in the Europa League. The Argentine’s amazing pace allows him to run at defenders with support from the mobile Marek Hamsik and Giuseppe Mascara.

Last five in Serie A: Bologna (W D W D L) Napoli (L D W W W)

Last season: Bologna 2-1 Napoli

Top tip: Watch out for another late show from Napoli, who have earned an extra 17 points this season by scoring second half goals. The Vesuviani might’ve broken through a psychological barrier with their Lazio victory and are certainly not short on confidence right now.

Stat fact: Napoli have a pretty poor record at the Stadio Dall’Ara, picking up just 15 wins, 15 draws and 31 defeats in all competition. Curiously, this fixture hasn’t ended in a stalemate since the 1-1 on May 7, 1989.

Bologna (probable): Viviano; Casarini, Portanova, Britos, Rubin; Perez, Mudingayi, Della Rocca; Ekdal; Ramirez, Di Vaio

Napoli (probable): De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Maggio, Pazienza, Yebda, Dossena; Hamsik, Mascara; Lavezzi

Ref: Orsato

Source: http://football-italia.net/sa1011/bol-nap.html

[RomaShield27]

– Thu, 21 Apr 12:45:00 2011

Napoli have ordered wives and girlfriends to "avoid useless family tension", telling them not to nag their players as the title-chasers' Serie A campaign draws to a close, handing WAGS an eight-point dossier on how to look after their men.

The Italian club lie second in the standings, six points off leaders Milan with five games left, leading the club’s flamboyant chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis to organise a dinner for players’ wives.

At the extravagant Donn’Anna palace in Naples, the women were sat down to a feast of bresaola, shrimp, artichoke and butternut squash risotto.

They were then presented with a list of eight 'golden rules', translated into each of their native languages, on how to help their footballer partners achieve glory.

"Behind every great man is a great woman," La Gazzetta dello Sport quoted one of the instructions as reading.

"Great players become such when they feel that way, particularly in their minds. Make sure your partner always feels great.
"We are counting on you for the last five matches of the season so please avoid useless family tension."

Napoli and Milan have similar title run-ins, with Napoli’s toughest games against Internazionale at home and Juventus away, while the Rossoneri visit Roma and Udinese.

[Messinterista]

Juventus 2 - 2 Napoli
Maggio 21 (N), Chiellini 47 (J), Lucarelli 70 (N), Matri 84 (J)
Stadio Olimpico

Juventus ended the campaign the way they played throughout - by scraping a home draw against a more motivated Napoli.

The Stadio Olimpico crowd expressed its disappointment with a campaign that saw them finish in seventh place and out of Europe. There was the slim chance of making it with a win here and hoping for Roma's home defeat to Sampdoria.

Coach Gigi Del Neri confirmed yesterday that he had essentially been fired with Antonio Conte expected to take over. On the other hand, Walter Mazzarri said he'd "probably" be on the Napoli bench next season after initially threatening to quit.

Marco Motta was suspended with an injury list including Fabio Grosso, Fabio Quagliarella, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Felipe Melo, Momo Sissoko and Zdenek Grygera. Napoli hitman Edinson Cavani sat out the last game in his ban and there were numerous changes, including teenager Raffaele Maiello's first start.

Alessandro The Waterboy went extremely close after eight minutes with a wonderful curler from outside the box that Morgan De Sanctis fingertipped on to the crossbar.

Alberto Aquilani burst through the defence down the left side of the box, but hesitated when De Sanctis came out to challenge him.

Cristiano Lucarelli also cracked against the crossbar when Christian Maggio's cross from the right found the veteran striker in front of Andrea Barzagli for a sliding finish from eight yards, but Gigi Buffon got a fingertip to turn it on to the bar.

Napoli opened the scoring after 21 minutes when a Jose Sosa cross was again whipped in from the right for Maggio's header at the back post. The Juventus defence was shaky once more and confirmed its status as the worst home record in Serie A.

The Partenopei had won their last three meeting with Juventus, home and away, so a fourth would be a new club record.

Giuseppe Mascara attempted an audacious lob from 40 metres - the kind he has scored several times before - but this time Buffon was ready to palm it away.

The Waterboy was easily Juve's most dangerous player and another of his long-range blockbusters was palmed out from under the bar by De Sanctis. Moments later, tender Alex rattled the woodwork for the second time with a marvellous free kick that cracked against the bar.

Filippo Boniperti - the grandson of Juventus legend and honorary President Giampiero - came on for the second half.

The Bianconeri equalised within 120 seconds. A The Waterboy corner found the head of Toni, but De Sanctis only parried into the path of Giorgio Chiellini from six yards.

Andrea Barzagli's snapshot was beaten away by De Sanctis, but Boniperti had a great chance to score in a give-and-go with Toni only for Victor Ruiz to block with a last-gasp tackle as he was pulling the trigger.

The Waterboy's free kick was deflected just over by Walter Gargano, then an Ezequiel Lavezzi set play threatened by bouncing right in front of Buffon and he palmed it wide.

De Sanctis flew for a sensational save on The Waterboy's free kick, able to close down Leonardo Bonucci's follow-up too.

Napoli restored their lead from a corner kick, which was whipped in for Cristiano Lucarelli's towering, twisting header that hit the inside of the far post to roll over the line.

De Sanctis required a double save to deny Alberto Aquilani and The Waterboy. Substitute Alessandro Matri got Juve back on level terms when a through ball from Aquilani found him totally unmarked down the middle to side-foot beneath De Sanctis.

Deep into stoppages Buffon prevented a home defeat by rushing off his line to fingertip the Lavezzi angled drive just past the far post.

Juventus: Buffon; Salihamidzic, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Krasic (De Ceglie 75), Marchisio, Aquilani, Pepe (Boniperti 46); The Waterboy, Toni (Matri 71)

Napoli: De Sanctis; Santacroce, Cribari, Ruiz; Maggio, Gargano, Maiello (Hamsik 67), Zuniga; Sosa (Lavezzi 52), Mascara; Lucarelli (Aronica 86)

Ref: Rizzoli

Source: http://football-italia.net/sa1011/juv-nap.html

[forzaitalia]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 54,00.html

Inler to Napoli? £17.8m fee agreed. Udinese are almost being punished for being successful, with Inler and most likely Sanchez on the way out.

[Marco_Italia]

[Messinterista]

Muntari for Napoli or Sevilla

Sulley Ali Muntari has no place at Inter or Sunderland, so could be headed to Napoli or Sevilla.

The Ghana international was loaned out to Sunderland in January, but the club turned down the opportunity to sign him on a permanent basis.

It is believed the Stadium of Light outfit baulked at the €9m price-tag for the midfielder.

Inter do not want Muntari back either, so he is set to be either loaned again or sold off elsewhere.

According to the latest media reports in Italy, the main options are Serie A revelations Napoli or a move to Spain with Sevilla.

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/jun11t.html

[San Paolo]

Campagnaro pays 400k to remain a free man. Family of the 3 victims that died in car crash: "Campagnaro has to rot in jail for eternity."
Family of victims on Campagnaro: "We want to ruin his football career the same way he ruined our lives."
Campagnaro was accused of aggravated involuntary manslaughter resulting in the deaths of three people.

[Messinterista]

Napoli confirm Donadel swoop

Napoli have signed Marco Donadel on a free transfer from Serie A rivals Fiorentina, the club have announced.

Donadel, as has been widely expected, has put pen to paper on a four-year contract at the Stadio San Paolo.

The 28-year-old will fill the void left by Michele Pazienza who has completed his own Bosman switch from Napoli to Juventus.

The Milan youth product joined Fiorentina in 2005 after a season at Sampdoria. He’s also appeared for Lecce and Parma in his career.

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/jun23aa.html

[taz]

Napoli have signed Blerim Dzemaili, with Manuele Blasi and Fabiano Santacroce sent to Parma as part of the deal.

The 25-year-old, a Swiss international, has been netted outright by the Azzurri after talks were successfully concluded with the Gialloblu.

Santacroce, a 24-year-old defender, has joined Parma on loan with an option to buy next year in exchange.

Blasi, now 30, has rejoined the Stadio Tardini outfit on a permanent basis, seven years after leaving Parma for Juventus.

Meanwhile, Napoli have also noted that defender Gianluca Grava has signed a contract extension until June 2012.

http://football-italia.net/jul1j.html

[taz]

Napoli have signed defender Federico Fernandez from Estudiantes for around 3million euros.

[taz]

Cruzeiro have signed defender Emilson Sanchez Cribari from Napoli for an undisclosed fee.

[red]

I wasn't aware it was possible to do co-ownership deals with sides outside Italy.