Don't call it a Scudetto challenge. At least on this they agree both in Naples and in Turin: tonight's match won't be decisive. "It will be beautiful, like when we face the other big players in the league: Lazio, Inter, Milan and Rome - said Antonio Conte. – It is one of the many important challenges that we will have to face to reach the final goal. The championship does not end tomorrow. Neither in case of victory, nor in case of draw… The third option? I don't even want to name her."
“Scudetto game? There are still eleven races after this one, anything can happen – echoed Walter Mazzarri. – It would be useless to win with Juve and then lose with Chievo. It's a fascinating, important, heartfelt race, yes, but we're used to it, we've done a lot".
However, it doesn't take much to understand that the San Paolo match cannot be considered a normal match. First of all there is a Scudetto up for grabs, and that would already be enough. In addition to the standings, there is a rivalry that dates back to the mists of time, back in vogue after somewhat watered down years. The last matches have been hot and decisive, above all the final of the Italian Cup (Rome, 20 May 2012: 2-1 Naples) and that of the Super Cup (Beijing, 11 August 2012: 4-2 Juve). Above all, it was the "Chinese" match that ignited spirits, so much so that the echoes of the controversy still echo on our football, as demonstrated by the sad little theater on the appointment of referees. In the end, Orsato came out of Braschi's top hat, who will have millions of eyes on him tonight. “I'm sorry because there are always opportunities to make controversies, even from former insiders – accused Conte. – There must be a climate of trust for the referees and for Braschi. I am sorry to read that there has been ostracism against Rizzoli, I have the utmost confidence in the referees. We are calm and serene, in the end whoever proves to be stronger wins”.
“Orsato's designation is very welcome, on the other hand for us the referees are all the same. After Beijing I never talked about it again” Mazzarri retorted a few hours later.
Returning to the field, there is a lot of anticipation to see how the approach of the two teams will be. Logic would say that Napoli, forced to win to keep hope alive, will have to play the game while Juve could also limit themselves to waiting and restarting on the counterattack. However, surprises are always lurking, even with regard to the formations. The Napoli coach will re-propose the so-called "owners", with Pandev preferred to Insigne to support Cavani. And the Matador will be called to drag Napoli with his goals, which to tell the truth have been missing for 500 minutes.
“I was convinced he would already score in Udine, unfortunately it was just a matter of inches – Mazzarri's defence. – Goals come naturally, I know his movements, but the more he thinks about it, the more he doesn't score".
On the Juve front, a lot of energy, but also the awareness of being able to afford two out of three results. Conte, once again forced to do without Caceres, will field Chiellini as owner, returning from the first minute after more than two months and seems oriented to confirm Giovinco, for whom he spent important words. “It was a week of glory for him, he was also put on the lists for the elections: he too was among Pd, Pdl and Monti – the coach smiled. – Seriously, he is very serene, when you win and score goals everything is always fine. He is much more mature than the 26 years he is ”.
In a packed San Paolo (60 tickets sold, once the stadium's maximum capacity has been reached), Italian football will understand a lot about its future, or at least its near future. Conte and Mazzarri are right, the Scudetto will not be awarded tonight. But, we are certain, it will leave its intoxicating scent on the lawn of the San Paolo.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Naples (3-4-1-2): De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Britos; May, Behrami, Inler, Zuniga; Hamsik; Pandev, Cavani.
On the bench: Rosati, Colombo, Gamberini, Rolando, Grava, Mesto, Dzemaili, Donadel, Armero, El Kaddouri, Insigne, Calaiò.
Trainer: Walter Mazzarri.
Unavailable: nobody.
Disqualified: nobody.
Beware: Gamberini, Pandev, De Sanctis, Calaiò, Cannavaro, Inler, Armero.
Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco.
On the bench: Storari, Rubinho, Peluso, Marrone, Isla, Padoin, Giaccarini, Pogba, Matri, Quagliarella.
Trainer: Antonio Conte.
Unavailable: DeCeglie, Bendtner, Pepe, Caceres, Anelka.
Disqualified: nobody.
Beware: Chiellini, Barzagli, Vidal, De Ceglie, Pirlo, Matri.
Referee: Daniele Orsato (Schio).
Line Assistants: Tonolini – Cariolato.
Port Assistants: DeMarco-Celi.
Fourth official: Niccolai.
