Napoli - Atalanta Stadio San Paolo Roberto Donadoni is still looking for his first win on the Napoli bench, but at least he has instilled some fight in the floundering Partenopei and welcomes the club where he began his career. Since replacing Edy Reja the former Italy Coach has picked up three consecutive stalemates against Reggina, Milan and Sampdoria. He is from Bergamo and began his playing career in the Atalanta youth academy, staying on until the move to Milan in 1986. Last week’s battle back after twice trailing at Marassi to earn a 2-2 draw bodes well for the side’s confidence, especially as they were missing Ezequiel Lavezzi, Walter Gargano, Christian Maggio, Salvatore Aronica and Manuele Blasi. Of those Blasi returns from his ban and Lavezzi is looking likely to recover in time for Saturday’s game, or at least for a spot on the bench. Leandro Rinaudo will step into defence for the suspended Matteo Contini, while Navarro continues to wear the gloves with both first choice goalkeepers Gennaro Iezzo and Matteo Gianello sidelined. German Denis grabbed that last-gasp equaliser against Samp, but again looks to start from the bench in favour of Marcelo Zalayeta and Inacio Pià. Amodio has taken the midfield reins in Gargano’s long-term injury absence, though Mariano Bogliacino and Jesus Datolo are also waiting in the wings. Atalanta have seemingly lost their way since securing Serie A safety, losing two of their last three home games. The 2-1 to Fiorentina was unfortunate, as they were leading through Gianvito Plasmati before Federico Peluso’s dismissal and fell in the final minute to an Alberto Gilardino strike. Peluso sits out a ban because of that red card and joins the injured Cristiano Doni, Adriano Ferreira Pinto, Ferdinando Coppola and Alessio Cerci on the sidelines. It’s good news for Gigi Del Neri, though, as Thomas Manfredini, Luca Cigarini and Tiberio Guarente return from suspension. The last time Atalanta won here was in 1997-98, as the total record is 28 defeats, three victories and seven draws. Keep an eye on: Marek Hamsik (Napoli) – The Slovak midfielder had a hand in both goals last week and becomes ever more crucial for his side with Lavezzi and Gargano out of action. Form Guide: Napoli (L L D D D) Atalanta (L L W D L) Last season: Napoli 2-0 Atalanta -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Napoli (probable): Navarro; Santacroce, Cannavaro, Rinaudo; Grava, Pazienza, Amodio, Hamsik, Mannini; Zalayeta, Pià Atalanta (probable): Consigli; Garics, Talamonti, Manfredini, Bellini; Defendi, Guarente, Cigarini, Padoin; Valdes; Floccari
Just wanted to mention that this game is on Saturday because of the Holiday. Also I think I read that Lavezzi is back so I think he's going to start. The bigger question is, Will Donado go with Zala or Denis.... not sure if you can deny Denis after him saving the game last week or if he's going to stick with what he's been doing with Zalayeta. Who knows? I really really wanna see Datolo on the left and Maninni on the right. It's crazy he doesn't even give a 9million euro signing a chance as a sub, let alone a starter. It'll be cool to see Floccari play but at the same time I hope he doesn't do too well. This is Donado's second game at the SanPaolo so I'm sure he's going to want to win more than ever. If he starts players like Grava and Amodio than I don't see us winning anytime soon.
i hope it aint that line up would much rather see navarro, santa, canna, rinaudo, grava (only cos i think aronica/contini are not avaliable is this correct??), datolo, pazienza, hamsik, mannini, lavezzi(russotto if lavezzi is still not ready), denis i'm very interested to see cigarini, garics and floccari play....
NAPOLI (3-5-2): 30 Navarro; 13 Santacroce, 83 Rinaudo, 28 Cannavaro; 2 Grava, 5 Pazienza, 8 Blasi, 17 Hamsik, 77 Mannini; 7 Lavezzi, 25 Zalayeta. PANCHINA: 70 Bucci, 3 Vitale, 4 Montervino, 18 Bogliacino, 15 Datolo, 12 Pià, 9 Denis. All. Donadoni ATALANTA (4-4-1-1): 1 Consigli; 8 Garics, 2 Talamonti, 5 T. Manfredini, 6 Bellini; 34 Defendi, 17 Guarente, 21 Cigarini, 22 Padoin; 20 Valdes; 33 Floccari. PANCHINA: 91 Colombi, 26 Pellegrino, 15 De Ascentis, 27 Capelli, 55 Parravicini, 9 Plasmati, 99 Zaza. All. Del Neri ARBITRO: Tommasi di Bassano (assistenti Conca e Forconi; quarto uomo: Celi)
wow, i didn't even notice that ... damn. He must be some sorta asshole for the coaches to treat him like that.
I don't get why Don won't change the formation or anything for that matter. Why doesn't he just play a 4-4-2 and put Grava in the RB, move Mannini to the right, play Datolo left, and dump Pazienza. One Blasi player is enough. We're playing counterattack AT HOME, it's weak. Atalanta is strolling into our back field, nothing has changed.
Blasi is shooting because Donadoni has been telling the team to take shots from outside. It's bad and it's good. Bad because players like Blasi shouldn't shoot ... ever. But it's good cause it shows that they're listening to the coach.... i guess. I agree completely with the 4-4-2. Why the hell not. Grava is worthless on the final 1/4 of the field when attacking. Datolo will be a creative player on the left while Manini on the right and Hamsik in the middle. It spells trouble for the opposing team. It's funny how we can see it but the coaches never can.
What do you guys think of Floccari? DeLa said he likes him, I rather take back Garics tbh and get someone outside of Italy but in Europe or get Quagliarella.
its down,screw it im off to town to check out the fanny its a nice day and gunna buy some clothes to ware out tonight,forza napoli