Nickname(s): The Blues
All-Time Ranking: 9th
2007/2008 Finish: 8th
2008/2009 Position (as of 04/07): 11th
Coach: Roberto Donadoni
Key Players: Paolo Cannavaro, German Denis, Ezequiel Lavezzi
History:
Founded in 1904, Napoli has spent most of its existence in Italy’s top flight. The squad won the league title twice at the end of the 1980s and hasn’t had much success since. Though they are the ninth most successful side in Serie A history, they are the winningest team in the nation’s southern region, so they have a large, dedicated fan base. Read more... (202 words, 3 images, estimated 48 secs reading time)
Serie A outfits Udinese and Juventus are set to compete against each other in league action today. The Old Lady – currently second in the league – sits 20 points ahead of Udinese which occupies the 14th slot.
Samba striker Amauri leads Juventus with 11 goals. Antonio Di Natale paces Udinese with nine.
The match will be played at the Stadio Friuli in Udine. Udinese recently signed Finnish midfielder Sakari Mattila. The 19-year-old could factor today. He joins Finnish national team midfielder Roman Eremenko at the Italian side.
Also on tap today in Serie A action: Read more... (127 words, 2 images, estimated 30 secs reading time)
Roma launched 22 shots today, six on goal at the Stadio Olimpico as the outfit continues to climb back into next season’s European discussion. Francesco Totti’s second-half goal ensured a 1-0 victory; it was the club’s third straight win over Fiorentina in Rome.
The Giallorossi now sit 14th in the Serie A table, but only six points out of a UEFA Cup bid. Roma has won three straight — a 1-0 win versus Lazio in the Rome derby and then last weekend’s 3-0 away win at Lecce.
Fiorentina now have five away defeats on the year. Read more... (243 words, 2 images, estimated 58 secs reading time)
After eleven Serie A matches, Napoli is tied with AC Milan on 23 points and is only one point behind first place Internazionale.
The Partenopei have used a strong defense and timely goals thus far. Goalkeeper Gennaro Iezzo recorded four saves in his shutout victory over Sampdoria on Sunday.
In the 2-0 victory, goals came from Daniele Mannini and substitute Marcelo Zalayeta. Zalayeta, the 29-year-old Uruguayan, has scored two goals in eight league appearances. Fellow Uruguayan, Walter Gargano, has also played a pivotal role for Napoli. The 24-year-old midfielder arrived in 2007. Read more... (132 words, 2 images, estimated 32 secs reading time)
Of the eight, AC Milan vs. Lazio appears to be the marquee match-up. With AC Milan invested in successful Serie A and UEFA Cup campaigns, Lazio has an opportunity to surprise the Italian giants. Also on tap are:
Internazionale vs. Genoa, Roma vs. Bologna, Sampdoria vs. Empoli, Udinese vs. Reggina, Fiorentina vs. Torino, Napoli vs. Salernitana, and Juventus vs. Catania.
Serie B sides include Salernitana and Empoli. Empoli was relegated from Serie A last season leaving Salernitana as the lone Cinderalla at the dance. Salernitana won promotion to Serie B last season after capturing the Serie C title.
Who will advance? Read more... (130 words, 2 images, estimated 31 secs reading time)
Here is a look at five key attacking prospects in Serie B. All are 25-years-old or younger.
1. Francesco Lodi: The 24-year-old second striker is picking up where he left off in 2007-2008. He already has six goals for former Serie A side Empoli. Several clubs could move for the forward during the January transfer window including Napoli.
2. Barreto: The 24-year-old Samba striker is on loan at Bari from Serie A outfit Udinese. He has four goals already and could return to the Zebrette for the 2009-2010 campaign.
3. Giuseppe Greco: The 25-year-old striker has four goals for Pisa Calcio. He is on loan from Genoa. Read more... (201 words, 2 images, estimated 48 secs reading time)
See have tickets to all Napoli games home and away
January
13 Jan, 2010 Juventus FC – SSC Napoli – Buy Napoli Tickets
17 Jan, 2010 SSC Napoli – US Palermo - Buy Napoli Tickets
24 Jan, 2010 Livorno – SSC Napoli - Buy Napoli Tickets
30 Jan, 2010 SSC Napoli – Genoa CFC - Buy Napoli Tickets
February
07 Feb, 2010 Udinese – SSC Napoli - Buy Napoli Tickets
14 Feb, 2010 SSC Napoli – Inter - Buy Napoli Tickets
21 Feb, 2010 AC Siena – SSC Napoli - Buy Napoli Tickets
28 Feb, 2010 SSC Napoli – AS Roma - Buy Napoli Tickets Read more... (237 words, 2 images, estimated 57 secs reading time)
