It was supposed to be a Scudetto match, but it will be "just" a nice evening of football. Napoli-Juventus is not valid for the title, but it remains a big match that is impossible to miss. This is demonstrated by the 200 countries connected all over the world, the 50 spectators at San Paolo, the stars present on the pitch and on the bench. From this point of view, however, the challenge will be incomplete: in fact, Carlos Tevez, top scorer in the championship, will be missing, who will not be able to rival his compatriot Gonzalo Higuain due to a disqualification.
“The importance of this match is perceived everywhere – Rafa Benitez thought at the press conference. – I didn't think I'd get to this point of the season with 20 points less than them, but the Juve squad is stronger and then such a large gap isn't true". But the facts would say yes. In addition to the already mentioned (sidereal) distance in the standings, there is the first leg, a dry 3-0 for the bianconeri which gave a hard lesson to Napoli.
“The key will be the attitude, we will have to play a precise and quality game – explained the Spanish coach. – In one match we can beat anyone, we proved it against Borussia Dortmund or Roma. But now don't let me say too much, Conte will be listening...". This is for sure, even if the Juventus coach's pre-match press silence does not allow us to delve into the subject. At Juve, however, they are very keen on this match, aware that it is the last real obstacle towards the title.
Let's be clear, the gap from Roma is so large (14 points) as to make even a possible misstep painless, but in Corso Galileo Ferraris do not want to give up anything and indeed have the goal of 100 points well in mind. The Lady currently has 81 and, considering that there are 8 games to go, she could reach a maximum of 105. The margin for error is there, but it is rather small. To create some problems for Conte then there are injuries in defense, which once again make turnover impossible.
Quite a headache, also by virtue of the fact that the Europa League will take place on Thursday. In short, obligatory confirmation for Caceres, Bonucci and Chiellini, who will protect Buffon's goal. Instead, no defection in midfield, with the usual Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba and Asamoah on the launching pad and Marchisio as the first change. Up front, said of Tevez's disqualification, two panzers will act like Llorente and Osvaldo, winner of the ballot with Giovinco.
Typical formation instead for Benitez, who will field the usual 4-2-3-1 with Reina in goal, Henrique, Fernandez, Albiol and Ghoulam in defense, Inler and Jorginho in midfield, Callejon, Hamsik and Insigne in the trocar, Higuain in attack. The challenge between the two technicians will be a further point of interest also in an international key. It is no coincidence that Josè Mourinho has not missed the opportunity to poke them both. “If Juve won the Europa League it wouldn't be a real success because it was built for the Champions League, just like Chelsea last year” thought the Special One from England.
“He talks too much – replied Benitez, Chelsea's own manager in the offending season. – At the time of Liverpool, with half of his money, I kicked him out of the Champions League ”. Conte's reply could arrive tonight, strictly after 22.30 pm however. Because first there is Napoli-Juventus and it makes no sense to talk about anything else.
