Lazio vs. Napoli: Giornata 8

By: Neil | October 25th, 2008

Napoli travel to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome for what should be an entertaining match against Delio Rossi’s Lazio.

Lazio are currently tied for 5th place with 13 points (4-1-2) and sit just one point back of Napoli, who are tied for 3rd with 14 points (4-2-1).

What worries me isn’t that Lazio have started strongly, but the fact that we couldn’t beat this team in 4 tries last year. In the league last season we lost away and needed a late Marek Hamsik goal to earn a draw at home. In the Coppa Italia we managed a 1-1 draw at the Olimpico to put ourselves in a position to advance, but lost the return leg at home. Either Lazio matches up very well against us, or else Napoli just can’t find their best form against the Biancocelesti.

Lazio’s major offseason addition is “The Zarate Kid,” Argentine striker Mauro Zarate who is tied with Gilardino for the league lead in goals. His striking partner Goran Pandev is not far behind at four goals. Together the two form a potent attack, and it will be a real test for Napoli’s defence and Iezzo to keep them off the scoresheet. Zarate is actually owned by Qatar club Al-Sadd, but the two sides are in the middle of trying to make his loan deal permanent. He was also a member of the Argentina team that won the U-20 World Cup back in 2007, with Zarate scoring twice including the game winner in the final.

Napoli’s back line is thin with both Cannavaro and Rinaudo missing out through injury. It’s unlikely that Rinaudo would have started anyways, but this leaves us short on options if Santacroce gets a yellow or if we need reinforcements at the back. Bogliacino and Pia are still injured as well, but our depth in attack remains solid.

Napoli probable line-up: Iezzo, Santacroce, Aronica, Contini – Maggio, Blasi, Gargano, Hamsik, Vitale – Lavezzi, Denis/Zalayeta

For the latest on Lazio’s squad and formation, please check out Cathal’s preview at
http://lazio.theoffside.com/

Finally, here is an interview with PierPaolo Marino about the importance of the game:
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=930356

Marino says the game won’t be season defining, and I think he’s right. Personally, I would be happy with a draw, but sometimes the best way to get a road draw is to play for a win. If Napoli can score first, look for a point or more to return to the San Paolo.