The fortyfirst game of this interminable Serie B season ended with us securing
our twentythird draw. Thus we increase our unwanted record of having the most
draws in one season. This was also the proverbial game of two halves; in the
first we were slow and predictable, in the second we were determined and played
with desire. I lagunari had no problems in the first period and the 90 minutes
witnessed in the San Paolo yesterday were a microcosm of our season.

We really couldn't have started the match in worse fashion. After only four
minutes there was a mix-up between Carrera and Manitta and the former steered
his header past the stranded goalkeeper to score an embarrassing own goal and
give the visitors an early advantage. Venezia threatened at this point but
midway through the half Dionigi fed Zanini who was felled in the area by Orfei.
There were no protests over the decision and Dionigi stepped up to take the
kick. Unfortunately, for the third time this season, the normally deadly
marksman failed from the dischetto. It was slow and telegraphed and Benussi had
no problems in saving it. A dismal first 45 minutes ended with the sparse crowd
booing the team into the changing room.

I don't know if it was the unhappy reaction of the crowd or some words of genius
by Simoni but Napoli emerged and played like a different team. Vidigal capped a
great run with a thunderbolt of a shot which flew narrowly over. A mere 60
seconds later and we were level though. Davide Dionigi atoned for his penalty
miss with a good header from the middle of the area and to celebrate he ran to
embrace Simoni. We continued to press to win the game but didn't have any
gilt-edged chances and Venezia occasionally threatened through Biancolino.

The half progressed though and as changes were made it was apparent that the
visitors would be happy with a point. Most of the 7,000 crowd left without any
show of emotion but there were still a few whistles at the end. Frustrations
borne from a long contemplation of this unending season. The only positive note
is that we are in the top half of the table, for the first time in two years.
Not really something to boast about.

NAPOLI: Manitta, Del Grosso, Portanova, Carrera, Cvitanovic, Bernini, Marcolin,
Perovic (73' Montesanto), Vidigal (81' Vieri), Zanini, Dionigi
Coach. Simoni

VENEZIA: Benussi, Orfei, Calori, Giubilato, Bianchi (40' Turato), Pisani,
Anderson, Liendo (66' Brellier), Babł (55' Manetti), Biancolino, Poggi
Coach. Gregucci

Scorers: 4' Carrera (own goal), 54' Dionigi
Bookin: Brellier
Referee: Cassarą from Palermo.



Lampedusa