Napoli vs Roma

Napoli pulled off the result of the season last week when they became the first side to defeat first place Inter Milan and will now have the honor of taking on 2^nd place Roma. The giallorossi are coming off of a big win in the Champions League over none other than Real Madrid and morale is sky high in their camp as well.

Everything fell into place for Napoli in week 26 as they did what many thought would be impossible this season and hand Inter Milan their first loss. A superb all around defensive effort made a 3^rd minute goal from Marcelo Zalayeta stand up. In fact, Napoli were even afforded the luxury of having Zalayeta miss a penalty shot later in the match. The victory was only the 2^nd in 5 matches for the partenopei and leaves them in 11^th place of the Serie A table with 33 points. They are 1 point back of 10^th place Atalanta and 3 points ahead of Lazio. This week manager Reja will be missing Cupi, Garics, Iezzo and Pazienza to injury but the rest of the squad is available. Napoli look set to go with their normal 3-5-2 with the aforementioned Zalayeta joined by Lavezzi in attack.

Roma are in 2^nd place of the league table with 55 points which leaves them 6 back of first place Inter Milan and 7 points ahead of Juventus. Last week they scored a convincing 4-0 win over 2^nd Parma which helped them gain 3 points on Inter after their unexpected loss. The side managed by Spaletti then outdid themselves by defeating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu to advance to the quarter finals of the Champions League. They will go into this contest at the San Paolo with a lot of confidence. Given that Roma will be playing their 3^rd intense match in 8 days some turnover is expected. At this time the only two players not available are Curci and Cassetti who are both out injured. Totti and the impressive Vucinic are expected to start.

Napoli are certainly not getting any help from the fixture list this month. Back to back home matches to Inter Milan and then Roma can be quite a nightmare but they are half way through it and looking pretty good so far. The fact that Roma will be playing for the 3^rd time in 8 days could play a factor.

Prediction: Napoli (2-1)