Friday, October 14, 2011

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15.10. (Sat) 20:45 Napoli - Parma

Cannavaro & Biabiany - Napoli-Parma - Serie A (Getty Images)

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

NAPOLI

De Sanctis
Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica
Maggio, Dzemaili, Gargano, Dossena
Hamsik, Lavezzi
Cavani
PARMA

Mirante
Zaccardo, Paletta, Lucarelli, Gobbi
Biabiany, Morrone, Jadid, Modesto
Giovinco, Floccari
Walter Mazzarri will be glad to have a near full-strength squad at his disposal after the international break, with only Miguel Britos, Goran Pandev and Marco Donadel remaining on the sidelines for Napoli. However, it is expected that one of Gokhan Inler or Walter Gargano will be rested for the visit of Parma, as Blerim Dzemaili is ready to deputise in central midfield.

For the visitors, they are in a similarly strong position regarding first-team matters, with just Hernan Crespo being their only doubtful participant. Franco Colomba's decisions come in midfield, as Jonathan Biabiany is set to be picked ahead of Francesco Valiani on the right-hand side, and Jadid should get the nod rather than Daniele Galloppa in the centre.

DID YOU KNOW
  • Last season, Napoli won both fixtures against Parma, by two-goal scorelines each time.
  • However, the visitors have won twice in their past five visits to San Paolo, with Napoli also winning two.
  • Both sides have won just three of their last eight Serie A matches, dating back to last season.
  • Napoli have alternated between a win and a draw over their last four Serie A games on home soil.
  • They could also move top of the table with victory on Saturday, and possibly remain there if the other top five sides fail to win.
  • Meanwhile, Parma have taken just two points from their last four away fixtures, scoring just twice in the process.
  • Stefano Morrone became the first player to score for Parma other than Sebastian Giovinco this season, who had netted all of their first five goals.
  • Giovinco has scored 12 goals in 34 Serie A appearances for Parma since his arrival last year.

Prediction
The hosts, who possess Serie A's second-most prolific forward line, should have a comfortable ride against a Parma side who have the second-worst defensive record in the league. Napoli's stellar trident in attack will be showcased on Saturday, and it remains to be seen how much damage they will potentially inflict on their visitors.
Editor's Prediction
Napoli 3-1 Parma