Serie A Preview: Sampdoria - Napoli
UC Sampdoria flying high
UC Sampdoria has started their new Serie A campaign in good form. Sampdoria won the opening match of their Serie A campaign against SC Lazio by a 2-0 score line. The draw was followed by an enthralling 3-3 draw against Juventus at Turin. Drawing Juventus
at home has to be deemed a positive result. Sampdoria will try to repeat last season’s performances by getting a champions league spot once again.
Last season, Sampdoria fought off competition from Palermo for a Champions league playoff spot. Sampdoria would eventually lose out to Werder Bremen of Germany in heartbreaking fashion. The result has left them playing in the UEFA Europa league. They have
made a positive start in the secondary competition, drawing away from home against PSV.
Sampdoria failed to make any significant acquisitions this summer. They already have a small squad and their decision of not going for reinforcements might come back to haunt them later. To their credit however, they held back all their stars including Antonio
Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini.
Napoli to aim for a top four finish
Napoli were a disappointment last season as they failed to challenge for a Champions league spot. However, they will be expected to at least challenge for a champions league spot this season. The campaign has started off with two draws in succession and
now Walter Mazzarri will be looking for maximum points.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis dug deep in his pocket and decided to splash the cash on Palermo’s Edison Cavani. The transfer cost them a hefty 17 million Euros and this Napoli faithful will be looking for returns.
Napoli generally doesn’t fare well away from home but they will have to keep that form at home if they are to take any points at dangerous Sampdoria.
Team News
Sampdoria
Sampdoria are missing a lot of first team players. Andrea Poli, who is tipped to be Andrea Pirlo’s heir at AC Milan and Italy, is out with a long term injury. Paolo Sammarco, Pietro Accardi, Fernando Tissone and Stefano Guberti are also unavailable.
Expected Formation
Sampdoria continue to play the 4-4-2 that was introduced by Luigi Delneri last term. Cassano and Pazzini form one of the deadliest striker partnerships in the whole of Europe. Italian international Angelo Palombo will be up against Marek Hamsik while Daniele
Gastaldello and Stefano Lucchini will be in the heart of defence.
Probable line-up
Gianluca Curci, Luciano Zauri, Daniele Gastaldello, Stefano Lucchini, Reto Ziegler, Franco Semioli, Angelo Palombo, Daniele Dessena, Daniele Mannini, Giampaolo Pazzini, Antonio Cassano
Napoli
The only causality that Napoli has is that of Cristiano Lucarelli. The striker is now out for at least five months after rupturing his left cruciate ligament against Utrecht.
Expected Formation
Napoli is expected to line-up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Cavani leading the line. Napoli has a versatile squad capable of changing the formation during the matches. Hamsik and young sensation Lavezzi will play behind the striker. Hugo Campagnaro will try
to dominate the midfield against Palombo while Paolo Cannavaro will be up against Cavani.
Probable Line-up
Morgan De Sanctis, Hugo Campagnaro, Paolo Cannavaro, Salvatore Aronica, Chirstian Maggio, Michele Pazienza, Walter Gargano, Andrea Dossena, Marek Hamsik, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Edison Cavani
Key Players
Antonio Cassano
IL talento di Bari will be the undoubted key player for Sampdoria. The skipper has been in stunning form so far this season. His international form in particular has been a revelation. Sampdoria will be hopeful the mercurial forward is at it again. His form
often brings out the best in his striking partner Pazzini.
Marek Hamsik
The much sought-after Slovakian midfielder is instrumental to Napoli’s play. His goals and assists are priceless for his sides. He will not only look to assist, rather his eye for goal will mean he is a safe bet to find the back of the net.
Prediction
It will be an entertaining and high scoring goal. The home advantage will come to Sampdoria’s rescue. Sampdoria will win 3 -2.
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