Italian Serie A preview: Inter Milan Vs. SSC Napoli (Part 2)
Team News
Inter Milan
Leonardo will start his new job without the services of Wesley Sneijder, Philippe Coutinho, Walter Samuel, Amantino Mancini and Julio Cesare - as all these players are struggling with various injuries. Their problems have been compounded further by the fact
that Samuel Eto’o – Inter Milan’s best player this season – will be serving out his suspension. However, Thiago Motta and Cristian Chivu have recovered from their injuries, and will take up starting roles.
Expected formation
The Brazilian tactician is expected to field a 4-3-1-2 formation, which will see Diego Milito partner Goran Pandev upfront. Dejan Stankovic will play just behind the front two. While in midfield Esteban Cambiasso, Thiago Motta and Javier Zanetti will look
to dominate the proceedings.
New signing, Andrea Ranocchia, will start on the bench as Lucio and Ivan Cordoba will play in the heart of the defence. The centre-back duo will be flanked by Maicon and Cristian Chivu.
Probable line up
Luca Castellazzi (GK), Maicon, Ivan Cordoba, Lucio, Cristian Chivu, Javier Zanetti, Thiago Motta, Esteban Cambiasso, Dejan Stankovic, Goran Pandev, Diego Milito
SSC Napoli
Walter Mazzarri will be delighted to have a clean bill of health approaching this game. Lady Luck could not have been any harsher on the Nerazzurri.
Expected Formation
Partenopei will take to the field in an attacking 3-4-2-1 formation, which has been their recipe for success so far this season. Edinson Cavani will play the lone striker’s role, while Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi will play behind the forward in free
roles. Michele Pazienza and Walter Gargano will sit deep in the midfield, and will be flanked by Andrea Dossena and Christian Maggio.
Mazzarri will play a three-man defence consisting of Salvatore Aronica, Paolo Cannavaro and Hugo Campagnaro while Gennaro Iezzo will be in goal.
Probable line up
Gennaro Iezzo (GK), Salvatore Aronica, Paolo Cannavaro, Hugo Campagnaro, Dossena, Christian Maggio, Michele Pazienza, Walter Gargano, Marek Hamsik, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Edinson Cavani
Key Players
Diego Milito (Inter Milan)
With Eto’o out suspended and Sneijder set to spend this month on the treatment table, Diego Milito must step up to the plate. The forward doesn’t even look half the player he was last season. Compared to last season, when he scored 30 goals in 51 appearances,
this season has been an utter disaster. Three goals in 11 appearances don’t do justice to his potential. With Leonardo in charge, one can certainly hope Milito finds his lost groove.
Edinson Cavani (Napoli)
Bettor.com’s Serie A forward of the season so far, Cavani, will be the main goal scoring threat for the Nerazzurri defence. The Uruguayan forward has scored some critical goals for the Azzurri this season, and will be optimistic carrying his goal scoring
form into the New Year.
Prediction
Inter might not be enjoying the best of form but they will be playing at home. Also, contrary to common belief, the Nerazzurri defence isn’t playing that poorly. The game will be an interesting affair with two attack-minded managers locking horns. A draw
is surely on the cards here. Napoli will come away from San Siro with a precious point.
Inter Milan 2 – 2 SSC Napoli
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