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Juventus-Napoli Match Preview

Juventus-Napoli Match Preview

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…
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New Podcast! Strong Identity, Even Without the DNA

New Podcast! Strong Identity, Even Without the DNA

In the second episode of the week, Jurre van Wanrooij joins Joe Fischetti to review Napoli’s Champions League Quarter-final second leg against Milan and to preview another big match on Sunday against Juventus Part 1 - Match Review:  Napoli vs Milan Champions League Quarter-final 2nd leg (~2:06), including: Milan’s defensive masterclass; Rafael Leão and Milan’s lethal counter-attack; Giroud’s goal and Napoli’s failure to commit a tactical foul; Leão’s tackle on Lozano in the area and the Boban conspiracy theory; More injuries for Napoli; Maignan is Milan’s most important player; and Napoli’s inability to finish. Part 2 - Match Preview:  Juventus…
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Napoli Primavera Earn Important Victory Over Udinese as Relegation Battle Intensifies

Napoli Primavera Earn Important Victory Over Udinese as Relegation Battle Intensifies

Matteo Marchisano scored his first goal of the season and Gennaro Iaccarino converted a late penalty kick as Napoli defeated relegation-bound Udinese 0-2. Lineup Nicolò Frustalupi made two changes to the squad he fielded in the draw to Atalanta. Benedetto Barba returned from suspension to start over Luigi D’Avino in the centre of the back three.  With Jorge Alastuey injured, Gennaro Iaccarino dropped to play in the centre of the midfield, allowing Bilel Sahli to play alongside Alessandro Spavone at trequartista. Finally, with Sahli playing deeper, Leonardo Rossi returned to the starting XI to play at striker. (3-4-2-1) Boffelli; Hysaj,…
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Napoli Exit Champions League with Heads Held High – Four Takeaways

Napoli Exit Champions League with Heads Held High – Four Takeaways

[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…
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New Podcast! Napoli-Milan Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg Preview

New Podcast! Napoli-Milan Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg Preview

In the first episode of the week, Joe Fischetti previews Napoli’s Champions League Quarter-final second leg match against Milan, including: Almost everyone dropping points on Matchday 30: Stefano Pioli’s rotation ahead of Milan’s draw to Bologna and Luciano Spalletti’s rotation ahead of Napoli’s draw to Hellas Verona (~1:02) Predicted starting XI’s (~9:19) 3 Keys to the Match (~21:14) Match Prediction (~34:28)
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Napoli Drop Points to Hellas Verona as They Look Ahead to the Champions League – Three Takeaways

Napoli Drop Points to Hellas Verona as They Look Ahead to the Champions League – Three Takeaways

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…
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Napoli-Hellas Verona Match Preview

Napoli-Hellas Verona Match Preview

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…
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New Podcast! O ciucc’ è ferit’ ma nun è muort’

New Podcast! O ciucc’ è ferit’ ma nun è muort’

In the second episode of the week, Daniel Russo joins Joe Fischetti to review Napoli’s Champions League Quarter-final first leg match against Milan, including:Part 1 - Dreadful officiating: the non-call on Kvara; Anguissa’s dismissal; Kim’s yellow card; inconsistencies between the first half and second half; and potential missed calls for Milan too (~0:48)Part 2 - Match review, including: Elmas playing as a false 9; Mike Maignon the best in the world; undeserved result for Napoli; Milan’s goal; and shameful behaviour from both sets of fans (~20:58)
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Milan Punish Inefficient Napoli – Three Takeaways

Milan Punish Inefficient Napoli – Three Takeaways

On Wednesday, Napoli lost the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final tie against AC Milan 0-1 at the San Siro. Though it was the Partenopei strongest performance against the Rossoneri this season, Napoli return home in a negative position. Forza Napoli Press explains why through three takeaways. Forgot to score Napoli went in guns blazing from the start. The idea was clear: put Milan under immense pressure and use stand-in striker, Eljif Elmas, for the occasion. It worked in the first twenty minutes, when Napoli created some excellent chances. Milan were unable to cope with all the Neapolitan…
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Milan-Napoli Match Preview

Milan-Napoli Match Preview

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…
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