Derby Del Sud preview

By: Neil | January 24th, 2009

Just three points separate Napoli and Roma as the two sides do battle on Sunday in a game both teams will be desperate to win. Roma is expecting captain and talisman Francesco Totti to return to the lineup, but if and when he plays will be up to Spalletti. Napoli will rely on number three goalie Matteo Gianello who will earn his second straight start.

On the opening day of the season these teams met at the Stadio Olimpico with 10-man Napoli getting a goal from Hamsik to earn a 1-1 draw. Here are the highlights from last August’s entertaining game.

After that game the two teams went in opposite directions, with Napoli climbing to the top of the league and Roma sinking towards the bottom. The last two months has seen the trend reversed with Roma climbing a long way up the table to put themselves back in contention for a Champions League place. Napoli has started to free fall, and although they are in 5th place and still ahead of Roma, the team’s form has not looked good in recent weeks.

Napoli’s two notable absences are midfielder Marek Hamsik, who is suspended, and Gennaro Iezzo who is still battling back problems. Number two keeper Nico Navarro is also injured, so backing up Gianello will be Luigi Sepe. Let’s hope that Gianello doesn’t get injured or sent off.

Replacing Hamsik will be Michele Pazienza, who didn’t look very good in his last start against Torino. Other changes included Santacroce returning from injury to replace Rinaudo, and Zalayeta starting instead of German Denis. Here is an interview with Reja (in Italian) in which he explains his selection choices and talks about playing two big matches in four days.

Napoli probable lineup: Gianello – Santacroce, Cannavaro, Contini – Maggio, Blasi, Gargano, Pazienza, Mannini – Zalayeta, Lavezzi

For news about Roma, please check out the Roma offside The Giallorossi lost their Coppa Italia quarter final on Wedensday against Inter and many of the players who played a full game will start against Napoli on Sunday. The Giallorossi are also expecting the return of keeper Alexandre Doni, as well as Totti.

Watch the game live on RAI International. However, in Canada TLN is showing the Lazio – Cagliari game which is surprising because they usually pick up the RAI feed. If you don’t have a dish, there’s always a live internet stream.

Key question for Roma: How will the team react, both mentally and physically, to their midweek Coppa Italia loss to Inter?

Key question for Napoli: Can the team rediscover their best form without Hamsik and Iezzo?