Serie A Preview: A.C Chievo Verona vs. Napoli -Can the hosts live up to their tag of ‘Giant Killers’
Chievo Verona will host league leaders, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Napoli-c40003, in a Serie A encounter at the Stadio Marc Antonio Bentegodi, Verona on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 18:45 GMT.
Both teams have had contrasting starts to their 2011/12 Serie A campaign, as Napoli have won both of their opening league fixtures. On the other hand, Chievo drew their opening league game against Serie A newcomers, Novara, and lost to Parma over the weekend.
The game holds immense importance for both teams as the Azzurri look to carry the same momentum, while Domenico Di Carlo’s side look to register their first win of the new campaign.
Chievo
The Gialloblu have always been a tough opponent for a team managed by Walter Mazzarri and are known by the tag of ‘Giant Killers’. Chievo won both of their league games against the Partenopei side last season, as they beat them 2-0 at home and 3-1 in the away fixture.
However, in the last five encounters between the two sides, Napoli have been the dominant force and have won three of the five games played. The Flying Donkeys must improve on their home record against the bigger sides as they suffered from it last season.
Napoli
Despite a promising start to the season, Walter Mazzarri is not happy with his side and has asked the players to improve their game. The Partenopei side completed an emphatic win over Italian Champions, A.C Milan, over the weekend and have introduced themselves as genuine title contenders this season.
The Azzurri were one of the best teams in terms of away record in the 2010/11 season and they must carry the same momentum in the ongoing campaign.
Team News
Chievo
The hosts are faced with huge concerns over the fitness of their talismanic striker, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Luciano-c22574 are injured for the game.
Expected line-up: Sorrentino; Sardo, Andreolli, Cesar, Jokic; Bradley, Rigoni, Hetemaj; Cruzado; Paloschi, Moscardelli
Napoli
Mazzarri might rest some of his star players due to a hectic playing schedule. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Miguel-Britos-c25544 remain the only casualties for the visitors.
Expected Line-up: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Zuniga, Inler, Gargano, Dossena; Hamsik, Pandev; Cavani
Players to Watch
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Davide-c10638 Moscardelli (Chievo)
It is highly likely that Pellissier will sit out this game due to injury and Moscardelli will be the man to replace him. The former Cesena star will have to carry the goal-scoring burden on his shoulders along with rookie star, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alberto-Paloschi-c4338.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Edinson-Cavani-c11955 (Napoli)
El-Matador will once again be the main player for the Partenopei side coming fresh from the hat-trick against Milan over the weekend. The Uruguayan international had a frustrating time in the corresponding fixture last season and will be looking to make amends this time around.
Prediction
Bettor.com is predicting a tough game for Walter Mazzarri’s men given their previous season’s record against the Gialloblu. However, Pellissier’s absence could be a huge advantage for the visitors and they might sneak a close win. Verdict: 1-2
Tags: