Pia eases pressure
Napoli struck a vital blow in the Serie C1B title race with a 1-0 win against
Manfredonia at the Stadio Miramare. While the Azzurri recorded their first away
win of 2006, nearest challengers Frosinone stumbled, losing 2-0 to Juve Stabia -
in a contest put into perspective by the death of Juve Stabia fan Salvatore Izzo
- and leaving the Vesuviani with a seven point lead.

The crucial goal came on the hour from Brazilian ex-Ascoli striker Inacio Pia,
but Edy Reja's men had the better of the game, despite at times looking uneasy
on the synthetic pitch.

Coach Reja saw little to worry him and credited his men for an impressive team
performance. "We were solid in defence, Ivano Trotta and Marco Capparella were a
constant threat on the wings and Pia got a great goal which was vital as it
allowed us to settle,” he said.



Marcatori: 14'st Inacio Pià
Manfredonia (4-4-2): Sassanelli; Di Bari F., Trinchera, Di Simone, Pierotti (37'
st Machado); Menolascina, Togni, Barusso, Piccioni; Tarantino (18' st Vadacca);
Ascenzi. All. D'Adderio. (Botticella, Di Bari G., De Lucia, De Santis).

Napoli (4-4-2): Iezzo; Grava, Maldonado, Giubilato, Briotti; Trotta, Montervino,
Bogliacino, Capparella (44' st Montesanto); Pià (32' st Amodio), Calaiò (39' st
Sosa). All. Reja. (Gianello, Savini, Nigro Grieco).

Note. Parapiglia nel finale in campo tra i giocatori e in tribuna. Problemi a
lasciare la tribuna per dirigenti partenopei. Spettatori: 3900 circa.
Ammoniti: Piccioni, Menolascina, Grava e Maldonado.
Angoli 5-3.
Recuperi: 2'; 4'.
Arbitro: Velotto di Grosseto (Corti-Conca).