Joe Fischetti

Napoli look to bounce back from their disappointing exit from the Champions League while Juventus, whose 15-point penalty was reversed on Thursday, look to avenge their 5-1 defeat to Napoli in January.Juventus FCJuventus won only one of their last five matches in all competitions - a 1-0 victory over Sporting in the first leg of their Europa League tie. On Thursday, the Bianconeri hung on for a 1-1 draw to advance to the Semi-finals. Earlier that day, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), which is the highest sports court in Italy, suspended Juventus’ 15-point deduction and referred the case back to…

[insert quick intro paragraph. Here are three takeaways selected by Forza Napoli Press.Missing DNA?Over the two legs, Napoli maintained their identity but apparently lacked the notorious Champions League DNA.  The home side attempted 23 shots, but only managed to hit the target with four of them.After missing a sitter in the opening minute of the first leg, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia missed another glorious opportunity in the opening minute of the second half of the second leg. The Georgian did brilliantly to create the chance, splitting between Davide Calabria and Brahim Díaz before launching the ball high and wide of the far…

Even with the return of the ultras' support, Napoli failed to find the back of the goal against a stingy Hellas Verona defense.  Here are three takeaways selected by Forza Napoli Press. Eyes on the Other Prize None of the three Italian teams competing in the Champions League won their respective matches on Saturday.  Stefano Pioli made ten changes ahead of Milan's 1-1 draw against Bologna and Simone Inzaghi made five changes ahead of Inter's 0-1 defeat to Monza. Luciano Spalletti made five changes of his own ahead of Napoli's scoreless draw against Hellas Verona.  Juan Jesus allowed Amir Rrahmani to…

Napoli look to respond from their second consecutive loss to AC Milan, while simultenously reducing the magic number to three.  However, it won't be easy against a Hellas Verona side who have enjoyed playing spoiler at the Stadio Maradona in recent years. After a dreadful first half of the season, Hellas Verona seem to have found their form and are now only four points away from safety.SSC NapoliDespite being 16 points clear of their nearest rival (13 after Lazio's win over Spezia on Friday), Napoli are experiencing their worst run of form all season.  After losing only three of their…

Napoli kick off their first ever Champions League Quarter-final with a trip to Milano. Meanwhile, Milan, who have taken every opportunity to remind the world of their Champions League DNA, play in their first Champions League Quarter-final in over a decade.AC MilanAfter a statement 0-4 victory over Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Milan failed to find the back of the goal in a scoreless draw against Empoli. Stefano Pioli rested a number of his regular starters, including Rafael Leão, Olivier Giroud and Brahim Díaz.Though Milan have won seven Champions League/European Cup titles, they did not participate in the…

Napoli needed a fortuitous own goal from Wladimiro Falcone to earn a morale-boosting victory over Lecce. Here are three takeaways selected by Forza Napoli Press.Shell of Their Former SelvesIt’s difficult to pinpoint the precise reason why, but for the second consecutive match, Napoli looked like a shell of their former selves. With no obvious reason for the Azzurri's sudden drop in form, Forza Napoli Press suggests a few possibilities:No VictorThe absence of Serie A’s top goal-scorer has been evident.  Victor Osimhen stretches opposition defenses with his presence alone. The threat of the the long ball over the top forces opposition back…