Napoli-Pisa (Coppa Italia)

By: Joe | August 17th, 2007

Napoli host newly Serie B promoted side Pisa Calcio in the second elimination round of the Coppa Italia on Saturday, August 18 at 8:45pm. Pisa won promotion based on their victory over Monza in a two-legged playoff tie. Pisa easily had the best defense in Serie C1 last season. Their stinginess was the single most important reason for Tuscan side’s success. Pisa only allowed a meager 20 goals in 34 matches (scoring 32).

Giampiero Ventura brings his side into San Paolo fresh off their exciting victory over Brescia on Wednesday. After falling behind early in the game, Pisa scored two late goals in the games final eight minutes to eliminate Sersi Cosmi’s Brescia side.

While their defense was noteworthy, Pisa’s goal scoring clip, especially on the road, was anorexically thin. Pisa managed to only score 9 goals while conceding 12 in 17 road matches. I can’t make a single claim about knowing any of the Pisa players, but they have very high aspirations and are looking to return to Italy’s top flight after a 17 year absence. The great majority of their players have experience in only the lower levels of Italian calcio. A victory over Napoli would be a great start to their campaign and provide confidence to this relatively veteran squad.

Pisa has twice won the Mitropa Cup. The tournament is a predescor of the European Cup and Champions League. It was last played in 1992. Squads such as A.C. Fiorentina, Red Star Belgrade, Udinese and A.C. Milan have also won the competition.

Napoli come into the match fresh off a 4-0 drubbing of Cesena. The squad completely controlled the pace of play and should be able to exert their will upon a Pisa side who will have their hands full dealing with the likes of Hamsik and Bogliacino crossing balls into Calaio and Lavezzi. Additionally, Gyorgy Garics will be able to play in this match after serving his suspension. Anything less than a victory will be an absolute disaster for Napoli. At stake is a tricky August 29 elimination match against Livorno. If Napoli can get past….nah, I can’t jinx it. Let’s get past Pisa and reasess our prospects.

* Looks like the writing is on the wall for two of Napoli’s forwards. Cristian Bucchi will be riding the pines for Siena this campaign and Inacio Pia may actually get some playing time with Treviso. Pia wasn’t even on the roster for the Cesena match and Bucchi wasn’t on the roster for the Pisa match. Looks like Marino will have to sign at least one above-average striker as with those two gone we’d only have three legitimate point men (Calaio, Lavezzi and Sosa). De Zerbi can of course play up front, but he’s more a distributor than a target forward.