Napoli host Cesena on Wednesday, August 15 at the Stadio San Paolo. The match is
the first round of the Coppa Italia. If Napoli advance they will play in three
more days and face the winner of the Brescia-Pisa match. While you’d be hard
pressed to call any match between Napoli and Juventus or Inter Milan a
“friendly,” the fact is this will be the first ball that is kicked in anger this
season. We’ll get an opportunity to see the new, younger Napoli take shape under
the watchful eyes of an enthusiastic but skeptical Napoli tifosi who have
alternatively been excited by the young signings (Hamsik, Gargano & Lavezzi) and
disappointed at the talent that has slipped through Pier Paulo Marino’s hands
(Nocerino, Bianchi, Miccoli and Rossi).
It would seem likely Reja will start with a lineup similar to the one featured
in the Juventus match of the Trofeo Birra Moretti. Napoli lined up with the
following (3-5-2) formation: Iezzo; Maldonado, Cannavaro, Domizzi; Garics,
Hamsik, Gargano, Dalla Bona, Savini; Lavezzi, Calaiò. Reja has made noise about
playing with three forwards but I just don’t see Roberto Sosa, Inacio Pia or
Christian Bucchi breaking into the starting XI at this point. Bucchi and Pia
appear on their way out but Napoli can’t risk letting them go until Marino
executes on De Laurentis’ claim that Napoli will pick up three more players.
Calaiò trained with the squad today after sustaining a knock so he should be
ready to go Wednesday. The only injury of note is Bogliacino who hasn’t played
since the second friendly in Austria. Calaiò and Lavezzi would really benefit
from the service and creativity the Uruguayan midfielder can provide.
Bogliacino’s status for Wednesday
is still unknown.
A.C. Cesena, or the Cavallucci Marini as they’re called, are coming off a
disappointing campaign. Two years ago Cesena challenged for promotion to Serie A
but lost in the playoffs to Torino. However, last year Cesena had a 10 game
winless streak at the end of the season which almost dragged them to a playout
and relegation Serie C1 (Hellas Verona had that dubious distinction). Moment of
silence for the bastardi brigate of Verona.

Match starts at 8:45 local time on Wednesday.


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