Genoa vs Napoli

Genoa and Napoli both scored big victories over the week and will look to continue their respective positive runs in this midweek contest at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris at Marassi. This match represents an excellent chance for the visitors to leap-frog over Genoa in the league table.

Il Grifone return home after a huge performance away to Udinese in week 24 that saw them run out 3-5 winners at the Stadio Friuli. Borriello was the hero with a hat trick in the 2^nd half. The 3 points land Genoa in 8^th place of the league table with 32 points. They are 3 points back of 7^th place Sampdoria and 1 point up on 9^th place Atalanta. They have been extremely consistent in terms of even results as evidenced by their record of 8 wins, 8 draws and 8 losses in 24 games. There are two confirmed absences for the contest against Napoli with Wilson out injured and Rubinho serving suspension. The good news this week is that Rossi will be able to play and will start on the right side of midfield in a 3-4-3 with Sculli, Borriello and Leon in attack.

Napoli are now in 11^th place of the league table with 30 points on the season. They are 1 point back of 10^th place Palermo and 4 points up on 12^th place Torino. They came up with a most important win at Livorno in week 24 by a score of 1-2 at the Stadio Armando Picchi. It was a huge win for the partenopei as it snapped a stretch that had seen them lose 3 of 4 contests. Manager Reja’s side will be limping into this 2^nd straight road match over the last 4 days as the potential exists for a number of absences. Marcelo Zalayeta, Santacroce and Cannavaro are all out suspended while Cupi, Garics, Iezzo and Pazienza while key player Ezequiel Lavezzi is listed as doubtful. Luckily for Napoli Roberto Sosa and Calaio are set to come into the attack. Calaio was the hero against Livorno when he started in place of Zalayeta.

Genoa must be seen as having the edge this week. Not only are they home but they will be taking on a Napoli outfit that will be playing their second straight road match and will be missing starting players both in attack and at the back. In addition, Napoli have won just 2 of 12 matches away from home this season.

Prediction: Genoa (1-0)