Salernitana-Napoli 0-0

A useless draw!

It all ended with no goals in the derby between Napoli and Salernitana, in a
game dictated by the errors of referee Cassara` and by the fear of losing. The
game was moreover quite an ugly affair with Salernitana holding the major share
of possesion whilst the most dangerous chances came from Napoli.

After an initial period where the teams tested eachother, the first notable
chance fell to Napoli. It came from a free kick in the 12th minute. Zanini's lay
off from the edge of the area for a Zamboni strike on goal. The shot deflected,
and Botticella in the Salernitana goal just managed to get a hand to the ball.
In the 19th minute Zanini played a golden pass to Dionigi who was foiled by
Botticella who came out fast enough to smother the Napoli strikers attempt.
These were really the only chances in the first half.

In the 6th minute of the second half Zanini fouled Salernitana player Di Vicino
from behind, but the thanks to the referee Cassara` he got off the hook, having
already been booked earlier. In the 11th Bogdani came close for Salernitana but
blazed a shot wide from close range. In the 13th minute Australian international
Max Vieri was pulled up for hand ball in a good position after replacing Zanini.

The first real penalty claim was made in the 36th minute when Savoldi was
brought down in the box. The referee deemed it to be a fair challenge which left
the Napoli players vividly protesting the decision. In reality, Savoldi probably
pushed the referee to make such a bad call by exaggerating the challenge with a
dive. In the 42nd Napoli had a second penalty claim turned down, and this one
was much more blatant than the first ! Del Grosso was borught down in plain view
of Cassara` but once again not the referee nor his assistants saw the foul! The
Ref did however see Zamboni's very late challenge on Molinaro though!
Accordingly, in the last minute of the match Napoli were down to 10 men.

It's fair to say that the result suits Salernitana much more than Napoli. Our
team is 8 points away from the relegation zone and 10 from promotion.
Disappointing as that is, at least the margin should be enough to keep us from
the threat of Serie C with 10 matches to play.

It was a result indicative of the spirit of palm Sunday when it was played. Both
sides were playing to share the points and keep the peace.

SALERNITANA: Botticella, Mezzanotti (1' st Olivi), Molinaro, Rinaudo, Perna
(29' st De Angelis), Corneliusson, Leandro, Longo, Di Vicino, Tulli (7' st
Bogdani), Nomvethe

NAPOLI: Manitta, Zamboni, Tosto, Portanova, Carrera, Del Grosso, Montesanto (21'
st Perovic), Vidigal, Bernini, Zanini (9' st Vieri), Dionigi (33' st Savoldi)

AMMONITI: Montesanto, Zanini, Perna
ESPULSI: Zamboni
ARBITRO: Cassarą. Assistenti Ayroldi e Ceniccola

Translated by David D'Antonio