Gone are the days when the great Diego Maradona weaved his magic at the Stadio San Paolo, but Napoli are slowly but surely moving in the right direction towards recreating the glory days.
Mazzarri’s men finished 12th in 2008-09, sixth last season, and are currently in fourth position in Serie A.
A victory over the Reds would be seen as another feather in their cap, as Paolo Cannavaro said: “It will be a game that goes down in the history of Napoli.
"We can't be fooled by Liverpool's ranking in the Premier League. They are one of the most successful clubs in the world and are accustomed to challenges at the highest level. To win we must play the perfect game."
In the meantime, there has also been some vandalism at the San Paolo with the pitch having been dug in certain places, but the game is expected to take place as planned.
Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has chosen to cast one eye on the Premier League fixture against Blackburn Rovers, as his side are currently in 19th place in the domestic circuit – their worst in the Premier League era.
With the focus firmly on a resurrection in the league, the former Inter boss has provided a stage for some of his fringe players to force their way into his thoughts.
Hodgson said: "I'll leave some players out that's for sure. Some of the more important senior players won't travel because their participation on Sunday is going to be so important to us.
“But it'll still be a strong team we put out there and I think it's a chance for some players who have been on the fringes, like David Ngog and others like Ryan Babel who has had very few chances.
"It's yet another opportunity for these players to blast their way into the team and force me to look at them in a different light, to make sure they are players that are first on the list and not down the pecking order."
TEAM NEWS
Napoli
Cristiano Lucarelli (knee) remains sidelined having sustained a long-term injury against Utrecht, but otherwise coach Walter Mazzarri should have most of his squad available at his disposal.
Possible starting XI: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Maggio, Gargano, Pazienza, Dossena; Hamsik, Lavezzi; Cavani.
Liverpool
Despite issues concerning form, under-fire manager Roy Hodgson has decided to stick with his rotation policy, admitting that a few fringe players will be given a run out against the Italian club.
The gaffer has confirmed that David Ngog and Ryan Babel will be given opportunities to shine, as the duo have had few chances to prove their mettle this season.
Steven Gerrard, along with Fernando Torres, has been rested, which means Jay Spearing looks likely to continue in midfield.
Defenders Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger are out through injury and sickness respectively, while Dirk Kuyt (ankle) is another casualty.
Possible starting XI: Reina; Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky; Maxi, Poulsen, Spearing, Cole; Ngog, Babel.
No comments:
Post a Comment