Giuseppe Sannino’s men looking to build on their impressive displays against Juventus and targeting a home win against an unpredictable Partenopei side
AC Siena will host Napoli in first of the two-legged semi-final clash at Stadio Artemio Franchi on 9th February at 19:45 GMT.
Both teams are coming in this game on the back of goalless draws in their weekend matches.
AC Siena
Despite their unimpressive performances in the Serie A, Siena have had a great run in the Coppa Italia, having made it to the semi-finals of the competition for the first time. The Robur will definitely be the underdogs for this
match, with more pressure on Napoli to win and qualify for the finals of the Italian Cup.
The Bianconeri have proved to be a difficult opposition for the Partenopei outfit in the past, as they have lost just one of the last four head-to-head matches against them. Giuseppe Sannino’s men defeated Chievo Verona to qualify
for the semi-finals.
Napoli
Walter Mazzarri’s men produced a wonderful display to outclass http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567 Milan in the quarter-finals of the competition. Edinson Cavani scored a brace for the Azzurri to confirm their place in the last four. However, their recent form
has not been much to talk about, as they have failed to win in five of their last six matches.
Napoli are in rich goal-scoring form, as they average two goals a match in the tournament. They would be hoping to continue this run in their match against Siena as well.
Team News
AC Siena
The Robur have a few injury worries on their end, as they will be without their regular goalkeeper, Zeljko Brkic, who is still recovering from his recent surgery. The hosts will also be without the services of midfielder, Francesco
Bolzoni, who faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines following his recent groin injury.
Probable starting line-up: Pegolo, Vitiello, Terzi, Del Grosso, Angelo, Vergassola, Gazzi Brienze, Calaio, Destro
Napoli
The Azzurri have a clean bill of health, but Walter Mazzarri is expected to ring some changes after the stalemate against Milan recently. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ezequiel-Lavezzi-c13073, who is lacking match
fitness. The Montenegrin will partner Edinson Cavani upfront.
Probable starting line up: Dossena, Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica, Maggio, Dzemaili, Gargano, Zuniga, Hamsik, Pandev, Cavani.
Players to Watch
Emanuele Calaio (Siena)
The 30-year-old has been a pivotal figure behind his team’s dream run in the competition. It is high time for the veteran to prove his worth to his former employers. The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Napoli-c40003 star has scored nine goals in 20 matches so
far this season.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Edinson-Cavani-c11955 (Napoli)
The Uruguayan international has been the most consistent performer for the Partenopei side since his arrival at Stadio San Paolo before start of the last season. The former Palermo star has scored 18 goals in 25 matches in all
competitions this season. His role will be pivotal in guiding his team to the final of the competition.
Prediction:
It is expected to be a cliff-hanger between the two out-of-form sides, and the first goal would be of great importance. Siena will be looking to sit back and hit the visitors on the counter, but given the attacking prowess of Napoli,
they are likely to cruise to a comfortable win. Verdict 0-2
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