Napoli – Catania preview

By: Neil | January 10th, 2009

Catania has overachieved under Walter Zenga, and despite not having won a road game this season, the Sicilians will give Napoli a real test at the San Paolo on Sunday. Catania are 8th in Serie A (7-4-6), just five points behind 5th place Napoli (9-3-5).

The star player for Catania has been keeper Albano Bizarri. The Argentine, formerly number one for Real Valladolid in Spain, has thrived under the tutelage of former Azzurri keeper Zenga. His saves are the reason Catania has managed to win seven games this season, and if Catania are able to steal a point it could be down to some great goalkeeping. Interestingly, Catania has six Argentines in their squad, which I believe is the most in Serie A along with Inter.

Catania’s strikers have also drawn some attention. Gianvito Plasmati got a lot of attention for dropping his pants during a free kick, but the attack is driven by Giuseppe Mascara whose seven goals lead the team. Michele Paolucci and Takayuki Morimoto will compete for the other starting spot.

In defence the Sicilians are led by Lorenzo Stovini, who misses out because of suspension. This could be a huge boost for a Napoli offence that struggled in its last game against Torino. In midfield Catania relies on captain Davide Baiocco, while the offensive push is provided by Argentines Pablo Ledesma and Mariano Izco.

Napoli will be without the suspended Fabiano Santacroce, so look for Cannavaro to shift to the right and Rinaudo to play in the centre. Contini should keep his place on the left, but Reja could pull a surprise and give Aronica a game. In midfield Vitale could replace Mannini, who has been poor in the attacking third the last couple of games. Up front Lavezzi and Denis will start, as Zalayeta is apparently injured.

Finally, a word about the mercato. Not a single player has left or joined Napoli, and in general there haven’t been a lot of transactions in Serie A to date. This will likely change during the last week of January as the window gets smaller and smaller. But it appears Napoli won’t be as active as last year. It’s been confirmed that Zalayeta and Blasi will be staying, and right now Bogliacino looks the most likely to leave, maybe to Cagliari or Greek club Panathanaikos.

Catania possible lineup: Bizarri – Silvestre, Terlizzi, Silvestri – Izco, Baiocco, Ledesma, Carboni, Tedesco – Mascara, Morimoto

Napoli possible lineup: Iezzo – Cannavaro, Rinaudo, Contini – Maggio, Blasi, Gargano, Hamsik, Vitale – Lavezzi, Denis

The push for the Champions League begins on Sunday. Catch all the action on a live internet stream. Forza Napoli!