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Napoli: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly – Game #2

Napoli were on the road for the first time this season and came out with a 4-2 win over Chievo Verona. The goals came from another brace from Marek Hamsik, Jose Callejon and the first goal from Gonzalo Higuain.

The Good:

  • Marek Hamsik: He picked up where he left off in Bologna. Hamsik, scored the opening goal and the game winning one vs Chievo. His first one was a curler from outside the box, whereas his second was being at the right place at the right time, to smash one home. After two games, Hamsik is firing on all gears and is on pace for 76 goals (it will not happen).
  • Gonzalo Higuain: He got his first goal of Serie A campaign (although got a lucky bounce off his arm). Higuain also showed off his play-making ability to deliver a great ball across the field to Callejon who got his second of the campaign.
  • Lorenzo Insigne: Finished the game with two assists. One of his assists was a great through ball that was finished of by Higuian. Insigne showed his pace and feet work throughout the whole 90 minutes.
  • Honorable Mentions: Gokhan Inler, Jose Callejon

The Bad:

  • Napoli Defense: The two goals concieved vs Chievo showed the real weakness of the Napoli squad that is their defense. The first goal, Miguel Britos was badly position and caught ball watching to allow Alberto Paloschi to get the ball behind Pepe Reina. The second one was from a corner kick badly cleared and bad defense from Christian Maggio versus Paloschi, who got his second of the game. On the other hand, Raul Albiol, has been relatively constant and safe.
  • Pepe Reina: On the first goal, Reina came off his line late, tried to do a “butterfly save” (more come in hockey and should of done this on second goal), which did not work. On the second goal, although shot came from close range,  Reina decision on the type of save to make on the shot was wrong as ball went through him like water
  • Christian Maggio/Juan Zuniga: After I praised them both after the first match, this time around I need to “scold” them. In the offensive end there is not anything to approach them with, however on the defensive end it was bad. Maggio was bad on marking as mentioned above, almost gave a gift to Chievo with his back header to the keeper. On the other side of the pitch Zuniga, on the defensive end seemed lost and unfocused (perhaps due to contract negotiation).
  • Paolo Cannavaro not starting (repost): In my opinion, if Cannavaro is on the team, he should start. Furthermore, it he should start over Britos, unless keeping him fit for Champions League.

The Ugly:

  • Maggio’s Haircut: Dear Maggio, unless you lost a bet with Hamsik, the only “Curva” haircut should be Hamsik (which is his signature).
  • Paloschi 1st goal Celebration: After leveling the game 1-1, Paloschi wanted to celebrate with the fans. However, before getting over the billboards, Paloschi slipped and fell into the boards!

In the end, Napoli came away the game with three points. There is much work to do on the defensive side of the pitch. Napoli next match will be on September 14th (week off due to International break), versus Atalanta at Stadio San Paolo.

Forza Napoli!

On a side note, Aurelio De Laurentiis has offered a new contract to Zuniga. If the figures ($3.5 millions/year) are true, although I would like for Zuniga to stay with the club, this amount is too high and may cause issues going forward when signing/re-signing players.

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photo credit: καρλο [ AKA Gilyo] via photopin cc

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