The last effort before rest. At home in Naples it is almost time to take stock, but first Cagliari has to overcome the obstacle. A victory at Sant'Elia would allow the Azzurri to end 2013 in the best possible way, any other result would leave a bad taste in the mouth. Because despite the 8 points gap from leaders Juve and 3 from second-placed Roma, Napoli still believes in the Scudetto dream.
“It's not easy, but we want to recover points on them – explained Benitez in the usual press conference on the eve. – We will try, but the result in Cagliari won't change our opinion on the team. Finding ourselves at this point after five months is something important, and we hope that 2014 will be even better”.
True, but it is clear that tonight's match (20.45 pm) will be quite important and indicative for the future of Napoli. Finding yourself close to Juve and Roma (waiting for their games to play, of course) would send a strong signal to the championship: the Azzurri are still there! According to many, the key will be the balance between defense and attack, something Benitez's group has so far lacked.
“That's actually how it is – admitted Rafa. – You can also win by scoring one more goal than your opponents, but balance is very important. At first we defended well, now a little less. The goal is to go back to defending in the right way, while maintaining a prolific attack".
Napoli will try as early as tonight, maintaining their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, by now the real trademark of the Spanish coach. Reina should be a starter again in goal, even if Rafael did well and is possibly ready to replace him, Maggio, Albiol and Armero will be in defense, with Fernandez favorite over Britos. In midfield, probable confirmation of Dzemaili alongside Behrami, with Inler starting from the bench. In attack, in addition to the untouchable Higuain, there will be Callejon, Pandev and one between Mertens and Insigne.
A success, as well as for the standings, would also be important in terms of the market. De Laurentiis was clear, he will try in every way to please Benitez. Who clearly expressed his wish list yesterday: “It's normal that I expect some gifts, but better one excellent player than two or three of a normal level. Whoever arrives will have to give something that we don't already have and this is not easy". So better a big (Mascherano? Agger?) than a couple of good players (Nkoulou, Antonelli, Gonalons). But we will only think about this from 22.40 pm tonight. First there is Cagliari-Naples, the last effort before the holidays.
