Fans of the Partenopei must have feared the worst as referee Daniele Orsato blew the half time whistle and sent both Napoli and Lazio into the Olimpico changing rooms with the score at 1-0 to the home side.
Walter Mazzarri was undoubtedly fuming, if his pitch side demeanour was anything to go by, as his side trundled back inside after probably the worst 45 minutes of their season so far.
Other than an Edinson Cavani header that rocked Ferderico Marchetti’s crossbar, the half was owned by the Biancocelesti, who would have been disappointed to only lead by Sergio Floccari’s 11th minute strike.
The team looked lethargic and unable to keep possession. Their famed lightning fast counter attacking strategy appeared to have been left back home at the San Paolo and sitting as far deep as they did for much of that half did them no favours whatsoever. It looked like it was going to be the ‘sgambetto’ or ‘trip’ that would possibly derail their chase of Juventus, who had earlier dispatched Fiorentina 2-0 with consummate ease.
However, the introduction of Lorenzo Insigne was the jolt the team needed to spark their game back into life and the second half was a completely different affair. With one of Italy’s brightest hopes, the Napoli team was able to raise their defensive line much more confidently, safe in the knowledge that the pint-sized play-maker would be able to hold on to the ball and allow the rest of the players to join in the attacking move and turn the table on Lazio. Vladimir Petkovic’s team was therefore forced to play much of the second period on the counter attack, though three Morgan De Sanctis errors almost undid all the hard work.
Once in the first half and twice in the second, errors of judgement from the experienced international almost proved costly and though we have no doubt he is an excellent shot stopper when standing between the sticks, the rest of his goalkeeping skill set is very inadequate. His goal kicks twice were cleared directly to an onrushing opponent and his timing when racing out of his goal in the second half, which resulted in a goal line clearance by Hugo Campagnaro, must have aged Mazzarri by at least five years. We have mentioned this before on previous Club Focus articles, Morgan De Sanctis is a chink in the Neapolitan armour and we hope it’s not the weakness that ultimately undoes their title challenge.
Campagnaro was the unlikely hero of the match, hitting a technically beautiful volley into the corner of the goal that gave Marchetti no chance. It salvaged a crucial point, away to a resurgent adversary, one that may still have a say in whether the scudetto stays north or comes down south at the end of the season.
The Bianconeri must also visit the Olimpico on April 14th and Antonio Conte’s men will find a team that will no doubt be fighting for a Champions League placing. Petkovic may yet to do Mazzarri’s team a huge favour despite this weekend’s result.
The next few days will be very busy for the Azzurri. They have a Europa League tie on Thursday and this should give an opportunity for the new high profile arrivals to get some proper minutes under their belts. Viktoria Plzen is the opponent and centre back Rolando, as well striker Emanuele Calaio, are both hoping to be included, with Calaio to possibly partner Cavani. Unfortunately, former Udinese wing back Pablo Armero will have to sit this game out as he has already played in the competition with his previous side.
The weekend Serie A match will see Napoli host Sampdoria who are fresh for handing Roma a beating and will be keen to carry that good form into the San Paolo. Valon Behrami will probably miss out after picking up an injury against Lazio and Insigne’s performance may see him get a start at the expense of Goran Pandev. The coach will be hoping that no further issues arise throughout the week and he has a full squad to pick from come for the impending tie.
Despite losing ground to Juventus, here at Club Focus we see this as a good result given the circumstances. The team played poorly and would have had no complaints if they had lost. However, they stole a point away from home and will still have the chance of taking points from Juventus when they come to visit. And if Lazio can stick out a leg and trip up the current league leaders then surely the glass really is half full.
Just don’t pass it to De Sanctis, he might very well let it slip through his fingers…
I can’t understand why Mazzari prefers Pandev so much. Insigne puts on great performances every time he comes in, while Pandev has a good game every so often.