Napoli-Pisa (Coppa Italia)

By: *Joe* <http://napoli.theoffside.com/joe/> | August 17th, 2007
http://napoli.theoffside.com/coppa-italia/napoli-pisa-coppa-italia.html


[image: Coppa Italia]
<http://napoli.theoffside.com/files/2007/08/napoli_nuovi_2006.jpg>Napoli
host newly Serie B promoted side Pisa Calcio in the second elimination round
of the Coppa Italia on Saturday, August 18 at 8:45pm. Pisa won promotion
based on their victory over Monza in a two-legged playoff tie. Pisa easily
had the best defense in Serie C1 last season. Their stinginess was the
single most important reason for Tuscan side's success. Pisa only allowed a
meager 20 goals in 34 matches (scoring 32).

Giampiero Ventura brings his side into San Paolo fresh off their exciting
victory over Brescia on Wednesday. After falling behind early in the game,
Pisa scored two late goals in the games final eight minutes to eliminate
Sersi Cosmi's Brescia side.

<http://napoli.theoffside.com/files/2007/08/olsen-twins-picture-1.jpg>While
their defense was noteworthy, Pisa's goal scoring clip, especially on the
road, was anorexically thin. Pisa managed to only score 9 goals while
conceding 12 in 17 road matches. I can't make a single claim about knowing
any of the Pisa players, but they have very high aspirations and are looking
to return to Italy's top flight after a 17 year absence. The great majority
of their players have experience in only the lower levels of Italian calcio.
A victory over Napoli would be a great start to their campaign and provide
confidence to this relatively veteran squad.

Pisa has twice won the Mitropa Cup<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitropa_Cup>.
The tournament is a predescor of the European Cup and Champions League. It
was last played in 1992. Squads such as A.C. Fiorentina, Red Star Belgrade,
Udinese and A.C. Milan have also won the competition.

Napoli come into the match fresh off a 4-0 drubbing
<http://napoli.theoffside.com/coppa-italia/well-that-was-fun.html>of Cesena.
The squad completely controlled the pace of play and should be able to exert
their will upon a Pisa side who will have their hands full dealing with the
likes of Hamsik and Bogliacino crossing balls into Calaio and Lavezzi.
Additionally, Gyorgy Garics will be able to play in this match after serving
his suspension. Anything less than a victory will be an absolute disaster
for Napoli. At stake is a tricky August 29 elimination match against
Livorno. If Napoli can get past….nah, I can't jinx it. Let's get past Pisa
and reasess our prospects.

* Looks like the writing is on the wall for two of Napoli's forwards. Cristian
Bucchi <http://napoli2000.etereanetwork.com/news.asp?ID=7828> will be riding
the pines for Siena this campaign and Inacio
Pia<http://napoli2000.etereanetwork.com/news.asp?ID=7809>may actually
get some playing time with Treviso. Pia wasn't even on the
roster for the Cesena match and Bucchi wasn't on the roster for the Pisa
match. Looks like Marino will have to sign at least one above-average
striker as with those two gone we'd only have three legitimate point men
(Calaio, Lavezzi and Sosa). De Zerbi can of course play up front, but he's
more a distributor than a target forward.


--
Elio Lo Conte


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