Napoli and Roma’s all star attacks draw a blank

What do you get when you put two of the slickest, most entertaining sides in Serie A together? No goals, few chances and one of the more disappointing ‘big’ games of the season so far

When two of the best attacking units in Serie A collided as Napoli metRoma on Sunday, it was their defences who were on top in a 0-0 stalemate at the San Paolo.

Having managed 60 goals between them in their combined 30 league matches so far this season, goals were expected but in truth, clear cut chances were few and far between on a crisp Campania evening.

The result leaves Napoli three points ahead of their capital city rivals in the Serie A standings and also means they remain four behind table-toppers Inter.

Aside from a few early jitters, there was no glaring sense of Roma’s deficiencies in the Derby del Sole’s initial feeling out process, as they squeezed out the space for the hosts and didn’t allow them to move freely in possession.

The usual early onslaught and dizzying tempo that Napoli have started many games this season with was lacking, as both Jorginho and Marek Hamsik were slightly off with their final ball when goal chances beckoned for the Partenopei.

Lorenzo Insigne and Kostas Manolas both blasted chances off target at either end as the match began to open up into its second quarter but the Napoli forward’s decision making continued to frustrate his teammates as the half wore on, shooting from the acutest of angles on more than one occasion.

So despite plenty of endeavour, the real eye-catching moment of the first half turned out to be seven minutes from the end, when the main stand side linesman was forced off with an injury after pulling up as he tried to track a far post run from Higuain.

After the restart, the Argentine was caught on his heels after Faouzi Ghoulam sent a sublime low ball across the face of goal and on the hour mark, the best chance of the match arrived when Marek Hamsik was played in on the left by Higuain but he dragged his shot inches wide of the far post.

The Slovakian was denied by Wojciech Szczesny in a late flurry of action that also saw Dries Mertens’ penalty appeals waved away and Daniele De Rossi see his headed goal ruled out after the referee ruled that Antonio Rudiger’s cross exited the field of play before curling back in as the sides were forced to settle for a point apiece, with Roma the more relieved after Omar El Kaddouri shinned wide in injury time from five yards.

Napoli’s next game see them take on northern rivals Hellas Verona at the Stadio San Paolo in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, the same day that Roma entertain Spezia.

nguon:  gazzettaworld.gazzetta

Napoli eye January swoop for Man United def

Manchester United fans in the Transfer Tavern have sunk many pints in commiseration this weekend, as they play darts and discuss what changes they need to make in January.

Outgoing deals are not often discussed though but one story has taken the forefront this afternoon, as Metro state Napoli want to sign Manchester United defender Guillermo Varela in January.

The Uruguayan defender was David Moyes’ first signing at the club in 2013 but only recently made his debut in last weekend’s 0-0 draw with West Ham, where he impressed and was handed a start for United’s disastrous Champions League defeat to Wolfsburg.

22-year-old Varela is targeted by the Italian side, with Napoli wanting to sign him on a permanent basis in January before sending him on-loan for the remainder of the current campaign.

Fans in the bar were surprised by the context of the report, initially believing Napoli wanted to secure a loan deal. However, they’re now concerned that another top talent could be prized from their clutches.

United fans, should Varela be offloaded in January? Let us know in the comments below!

nguon:  www.footballtransfertavern

Napoli player ratings: Formidable Koulibaly keeps Roma in check

As the Derby del Sole failed to live up to its goalscoring hype, the Partenopei defence compensated for their lacklustre attack and ensured that Maurizio Sarri’s men avoided defeat in this crucial Serie A clash

Despite the great anticipation surrounding this offensive encounter, the in-form Napoli strike force was easily overshadowed by the mighty Kalidou Koulibaly during their 0-0 draw against Roma at the Stadio San Paolo.

In what turned out to be a tactical struggle between the two sides, the Azzurri central defender led his defence expertly well and managed to suppress the Giallorossi attack throughout the arduous 90 minutes.

In stark comparison to the trail-blazing defender, Napoli’s strikers ultimately faltered during his intense Serie A clash, and Lorenzo Insigne’s wastefulness was equally matched by Gonzalo Higuain’s lack of awareness.

Napoli

Pepe Reina – 6

A surprisingly easy evening for the Spaniard against the Roman side, who were expected to offer considerably more up front. He did produce two important saves however, which ultimately defined his decent display.

Elseid Hysaj – 6

A slightly apprehensive performance from the former Empoli man, although his work-rate was impeccable and he was a constant presence down the right flank. His crossing was persistent, even if it did lack precision.

Raul Albiol – 6

Both Albiol and his defensive counterpart Koulibaly did an expert job in containing the Bosnian Edin Dzeko, and he will be pleased to have kept a clean sheet during such a vital match.

Kalidou Koulibaly – 7

The bruising defender was absolutely superb for the Partenopei, combining his solid defensive nature along with his improving ability to organise the Azzurri defence.

Faouzi Ghoulam – 6.5

A subdued first half from the rampant full-back, who swiftly altered his game-plan following the interval and provided some succulent crosses for his misfiring attack.

Allan – 6

The menacing midfielder may well have met his match during this fervent Serie A encounter, as Radja Nainggolan was just as bothersome in the centre of midfield. His unforgiving presence was still noticable during the match, although his influence was slightly diluted due to his impressive adversary.

Jorginho – 5.5

The 23-year-old was caught out during this tactical minefield of a match, as Miralem Pjanic followed the player’s tracks throughout. He subsequently struggled to find the essential space upon the pitch and failed to make a significant impact for Maurizio Sarri’s men.

Marek Hamsik – 6.5

The most inspirational offensive player amongst the Napoli side, who constantly aimed to seek out his his attacking teammates and provide them with the killer ball.

Jose Callejon – 5.5

The Spaniard was monitored well by Lucas Digne during the game and the winger ultimately lacked the movement or awareness to escape his marker. A slightly static display and never really linked up with his fellow strikers.

Lorenzo Insigne – 5.5

The native Neapolitan tried to too hard during this wasteful display and his desire to get on the scoresheet ultimately hampered his side’s chances of obtaining the victory. On numerous occasions, Insigne wrongfully opted to shoot rather than cross, much to the frustration of his awaiting attackers.

Gonzalo Higuain – 5.5

Was a victim of Insigne’s selfishness and did lack service during the match. However his movement was not up to his usual best, which obviously contributed to his failure to create clear goalscoring chances.

Substitutes

Dries Mertens – 6.5

Following his second half arrival, the Belgian immediately tried to stamp his authority upon the game and directed his play straight towards the opposition goalmouth. His intricate play very nearly led to a winner in the dying minutes, although his swerving shot was saved well by the Roma goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

nguon: gazzettaworld.gazzetta