Amongst the first set of Champions League games to be played this week is an interesting little tie on Wednesday which will see Manchester City come up against Italy's very own Sky Blues in S.S.C Napoli. This will be both sides' debut in the current form of the competition, although Napoli have played in Europe on a number of occasions, mainly in the 1980s (Maradona, titles, bungs, kits sponsored by Mars.. It was all a bit mental). Indeed, the Partenopei were crowned Serie A champions on twice, first in 1986-87 - winning the Coppa Italia in the same year - and 1989-90. Success in Europe came just a year after their last title in the form of a UEFA cup win but the achievement also marked their gradual decline (Maradona + cocaine, more bungs and relegation.. It was still mental, but only if you weren't a fan). City on the other hand have only competed for the European Cup once: in 1968-69 where they were knocked out in the first-round by Turkish side Fenerbahce. Things have drastically changed since, mainly down to money. But this doesn't necessarily apply to just the one side.
 |
| Inler- More than a nutter |
To take no prisoners for a moment, Manchester City football club have demonstrated just how far a mediocre side can go in the modern game by using fistfuls of English currency to plug gaping holes in their roster. Napoli have done this themselves, but to a much lesser extent, with no signs of over-spending and using Euros. Current stars Marek Hamsik, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Hugo Campagnaro all commanded fees of above 5 million, while this season has seen Edinson Cavani make his loan move from Palermo permanent for 16 million, and midfielder Gokhan Inler prized from Udinese for 13 million (please imagine the Euro signs. Thanks, Blogspot). That isn't to say that the club is built on marquee signings, though. During the clubs 2004-05 season spent in Serie C, their average attendance of 38,760 ranked 26th in the standings for Europe, beating the crowds of Arsenal, Lazio and Lyon among others. Trouble has never been far from round the corner however, and it was that very season that saw the club file for bankruptcy before being bought out by Italian film producer and Naples native Aurelio De Laurentiis. Despite losing their first attempt at promotion following a 2-1 defeat in the play-offs to local rivals Avellino, they've made short work of every obstacle in their way since. The feat of promotion to Serie B in 2006 was surpassed with ease by another leap up ladder to the top tier just 12 months later. They finished 8th, then 11th, then 6th in 2009-10 and following a top three finish last season, are now regarded as one of the best teams in the country under their current boss, Walter Mazzarri. The cause has been aided by the growth of players like Hamsik, Lavezzi and Walter Gargano, who all came good for Napoli after their moves, and the same crop won't by any means roll-over for City on Wednesday.
 |
| Pandev- CL winner with Jose |
Napoli have, or had, a wonderful 4-3-3. I say had as it was a slightly unorthodox 4-1-2-1-2 that comfortably beat a 10-man Cesena 3-1 in their opening game of the Serie A season on Saturday. Few sides in Europe can boast a better front three than Napoli with Hamsik, Lavezzi and Cavani, but it fails to accommodate new signings like Goran Pandev, right-midfielder Christian Maggio and former Fiorentina attacking-midfielder Mario Santana. Although the names Napoli host aren't as box office as some of City's, Sky Blues boss Roberto Mancini will be more than aware of the threat posed by their upcoming opponents. Both Lavazzi and Hamsik were scouted as possible targets in the early stages of the transfer window just gone before the board allegedly decided the prices quoted were a little dear and started to pursue Sergio Aguero instead. Putting two players that Mancini wanted down either flanks and having Italy's top marksman, Cavani, attacking through the middle should give Joleon Lescott something to think about at the very least. Despite their habit of switching between three and four at the back, they're also known for having a very disciplined defence. In fact, only one side in Serie A conceded less goals last season: with just 24 beating their impressive 39, champions AC Milan. Although some of their other names that were signed from fellow Italian clubs may escape the minds of the City fans, followers of the league will be more than familiar with the Napoli squad that will walk out against the odds. And that's another talking point: the odds.
 |
| Mazzari- Strength to strength |
Mazzarri's side are a massive 9/1 to win, with a draw on at 4/1. Now, certain fans will read this and recall Steven Gerrard coming off the bench for Liverpool last season to notch an impressive 15 minute hat-trick against the Partenopei in their Europa League group K game at Anfield (the game ending 3-1). Its also worth noting that the Napoli squads that included the much talked about front-three only managed one goal in both home and away ties, but there are a number of reasons why things could go differently this time around. Cavani, for example, was only into his third month at the club and showed his best form at the tail end of the campaign. Players like Andrea Dossena, ironically signed from Liverpool, and other new recruits were also only in their honeymoon period at the time; acquired in 2010 by Mazzarri to help strengthen the squad and allow them to compete with the best in their league. Compete they did, and their third place finish highlighted how far the team had come. With every game the team seem to become stronger and wins against the likes of Roma and Juventus have put them up there with Italy's elite.
The truth is, such is their home form that Napoli won't necessarily feel they have to win this game. Last season, captain and defensive stalwart Paolo Cannavaro led his back-line into four months worth of games without conceding at home. Their attendances also - boosted by their loyal 'ultras' - are set to play a massive part in transferring their home form in Italy onto the European scene. This could be highly effective against City, who seemed all but knocked-out after a 2-0 loss in Ukraine at the hands of Dynamo Kiev in last season's Europa League campaign, the 1-0 win in the return leg not enough to keep them in the competition. A win against Red Bull Salzburg helped ease worries that their new big money signings wouldn't be up for braving the cold trips away from home, but they were brought crashing down to earth with a 3-1 defeat just months later to Polish side Lech Poznan, who went on to finish 5th in their domestic league. They also failed to score in their draw with Aris in the round of 32 before the knockout game in Kiev. Whether City will travel better now they're in-form and settled is up for question, but Napoli will definitely fancy their chances of getting a result, whatever they might perceive that to be.
Manchester City v Napoli will be live on Sky Sports 2 at 7:45pm
No comments:
Post a Comment