Napoli started off the Serie A campaign with a 3-0 win over Bologna, with goals came from Jose Callejon and a brace from Marek Hamsik, who looked good wearing the captain armband. It was a great way to start their season and after one game are first in the standings (let’s not get excited – yet!). Important statistics include 88% of their passes completed, 6 shots on target and a clean sheet.
The Good:
- Marek Hamsik: As mentioned above, Hamsik scored the second and third goals of the game. For his first goal, he showed off his fancy footwork to manoeuvre in tight spaces to finish off his strike on goal at an angle. His second goal came in the second half, after Goran Pandev laid up a nice ball for Hamsik, which he struck into the back of the net.
- Jose Callejon: In his first competitive start for Napoli, Callejon was in my opinion one of the better players on the field. He displayed pace, great ball movement and services. Although his first goal will not be one for the ages, scoring in his début is good for his confidence. Also, before scoring, he side-volleyed a ball off the right-side post.
- Juan Zuniga/Christian Maggio: Both players are in the midst of adapting to a new roles at full-backs. Although Zuniga looked better, I found they both did well. Granted this was versus a Bologna side that showed little to no wide-out dangerous play. During the entire game, both showed pace running up and down the field, crossing balls into the box and decent defending. We will see how Maggio/Zuniga play when they face tougher competition.
- Pepe Reina: Clean Sheet; Besides making 2 decent saves during the game, I found Reina guided his defense very well. I also appreciated his celebrations after goals being scored!
- Honorable Mentions: Valon Behrami, Gonzalo Higuian
The Bad:
- Bologna: The team will have a very difficult 2013-14 Serie A campaign. Besides a few counter-attacks versus Napoli, the side showed very little danger to score.
- Alessandro Diamanti: The bad is not actually Diamanti, however it is the fact that his talent is not being displayed with bigger clubs in Serie A.
- Miguel Britos: Some people may say they liked the way he played. In my opinion, everytime he touches the ball, I get worried.
- Offside call on Higuain: I know it might have been a tough call, but to me (however biased), Higuain was not offside when Hamsik struck the ball. If the goal would have stood, the stadium would have erupted.
- Paolo Cannavaro not starting: In my opinion, if Cannavaro is on the team, he should start. Furthermore, it was the first game of the season and a home match as well! He should have started over Britos (unless there was an undisclosed injury).
The Ugly:
- Cheerleaders: The cheerleaders will apear on my blog for every Npapoli home game. It is just not right
- Empty seats at Stadio San Paolo: Although the crowd was loud; perhaps weather had to do something with it and/or the opponent, there were many empty seats. While watching the game on the TV, seeing those empty seats does nothing for the aesthetics of the game, which is an area that most Serie A teams have an issue with.
Next game is Saturday, August 31, 2013 on the road versus Chievo. In their opening match, Chievo earned one point in a 0-0 draw vs Parma.
Forza Napoli!
On a side note: Lorenzo Insigne will be extending his contract with Napoli until 2018 season. Sempre Napoli!
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