Socrates

Serie A - 11^ Giornata - Andata - 6/11/2011 (ore 20:45) - RINVIATA Stadio San Paolo - Napoli Arbitro: P. Tagliavento‎ Serie A - Maltempo, rinviata anche Napoli-Juve Violenti temporali stanno mettendo in ginocchio la Campania e la Prefettura ha deciso di non far disputare il posticipo dell'undicesima giornata di Serie A in programma al San Paolo. E' la seconda partita della giornata dopo Genoa-Inter a slittare causa meteo. Probabile recupero il 29 novembre. Eurosport - Domenica, 6 novembre 2011 Il maltempo che sta mettendo in ginocchio mezza Italia costringe al rinvio anche di Napoli-Juventus, posticipo dell'undicesima giornata di Serie A. Dopo Genoa-Inter, inizialmente programmata per le 12:30 e poi slittata, anche un'altra partita di campionato non si giocherà. La decisione è stata presa nella Prefettura del capoluogo campano alle 12:30, durante un breve vertice convocato d'urgenza per risolvere una situazione che con il passare dei minuti si fa sempre più complessa. Il rinvio, in sostanza, è parso inevitabile dopo una notte di angoscia per tutta Napoli. Il quadro è peggiorato intorno alle tre del mattino, con le prime chiamate ai vigili del fuoco provenienti dall'area Stabiese. Poi sono iniziati a esondare alcuni fiumiciattoli locali, sino a quando il sistema nuvoloso è risalito verso nord abbattendosi su Napoli dalle prime ore del mattino. I vigili del fuoco sono in azione costante, con il nucleo dei sommozzatori costretto a intervenire per salvare diverse persone rimaste imprigionate nelle proprie automobili. Sia fuori che nella città di Napoli. Condizioni talmente drammatiche da rendere inopportuna una partita di calcio. Slitta così anche Napoli-Juventus. Un match sul cui recupero si deciderà lunedì, ma che probabilmente verrà inserito in calendario per il 29 novembre, come anticipato dal direttore generale della Lega Calcio Marco Brunelli. MAROTTA DISPIACIUTO E NON SOLO - "Gli ordini delle autoritá prevalgono, come giusto, sull'interesse sportivo. Siamo dispiaciuti perché avevamo preparato a fondo questa partita e siamo in un buon momento di forma, reduci da una bella vittoria. Il Napoli, che ha partecipato al vertice, avrà certamente avuto qualche elemento in più per aiutare le autorità nell'analisi. Purtroppo i fatti di questi giorni prevalgono sul resto e il calcio non può e non deve vivere al di fuori della realtà", ha commentato l'amministratore delegato Giuseppe Marotta sulle pagine del sito web ufficiale della Juventus. BIGON "RINVIO GARA DECISIONE CONDIVISIBILE" - "Dal punto di vista del Napoli e' stata una decisione condivisibile. La data del recupero? Questo non ci aiuta, andiamo ad aggiungere una gara in uno dei cicli tremendi. Credo che ci sia spazio il 14 dicembre tra le gare contro Novara e Roma". Lo ha detto a Sky Sport il dg del Napoli, Riccardo Bigon "Prendiamo atto della decisione, la condividiamo con il sindaco e con il prefetto. Per la prossima data ci dovremo adeguare per forza". Ai microfoni di Sky Sport arriva anche il commento del sindaco di Napoli, Luigi De Magistris: "E' stato deciso il rinvio per una serie di motivi. E comunque per ragioni di viabilità, con 60mila persone previste e tanti tifosi che arrivano dalla provincia". Eurosport

Juventus among the best in class, AC Milan improving after slow start, Inter must do better - Serie A report card after a quarter of the season With 10 rounds having been negotiated and the latest international break upon us, we take a look at all 20 top-flight clubs in Italy and grade them on their form in 2011-12. Nov 7, 2011 With a two-week break ahead for Serie A's clubs, the peninsula's 20 coaches will be analysing their sides' achievements so far in the 2011-12 campaign and where they are in relation to pre-season targets. For the likes of Juventus, Udinese and Lazio, the new term has been a huge success, with only the odd disappointment coming out of their opening clutch of games, while Inter lead the list of teams who will consider the first two months of the season to have been a huge disappointment. But with every letdown there has been a success story, and with a quarter of the season having now been completed, we take a look back at the first 10 rounds of action and grade each Serie A club on their performances so far whilst taking into account pre-season expectations. ATALANTA Having been hit by a six-point penalty in the summer, the Orobici have been almost flawless on the field, with form that would have seen them in the top five after 10 rounds were it not for their betting misdemeanours of last term. German Denis has taken most of the headlines with seven goals so far, though his missed penalty in the dying moments against Inter stopped them taking their biggest scalp of the campaign. Argentine Maxi Moralez has added two braces alongside the former Udinese man as Stefano Colantuono's side have hit the ground running. Their one setback came last week in a surprise defeat at Bologna, but they bounced back well to beat Cagliari on Sunday. BOLOGNA An abysmal start to the season was enough to see Pierpaolo Bisoli lose his post as coach, and replacement Stefano Pioli immediately brought about an upturn in fortunes. Taking over a side that collected only one point in five games - albeit a gutsy draw away to 10-man Juventus - the man fired by Palermo before the season had even begun presided over three wins in his first four fixtures in charge before suffering defeat on his return to Sicily at the weekend. One of the better pieces of news in recent weeks has come from the renewal of Gaston Ramirez's contract, though the Uruguayan's recent return to form could still see him leave before long. CAGLIARI Surprisingly, it is not their usually impressive home record which has been the basis of Cagliari's form so far this term, with only one win at the Sant'Elia to their credit - and that against Serie A new-boys Novara. With Massimo Ficcadenti having only taken the reins from Roberto Donadoni in mid-August, they shocked many by toppling Roma in the capital on opening day, but they have only one win to their name in the last eight games after going down to Atalanta at the weekend. The 3-0 home loss to Lazio in Round 10 will have been particularly difficult for notorious president Massimo Cellino to swallow. CATANIA The jury was out on Vincenzo Montella after his mixed spell with Roma last term, but the new season has been largely positive for 'L'Aeroplanino' since he was handed the coaching role at the Massimino. Home victories over Inter and Napoli have provided the stand-out results so far, along with a draw against Juventus, but heavy defeats on the road at Genoa in Round 4 and Milan on Sunday have undone some of the good work. Still, no longer are they reliant on the goals of Maxi Lopez, and their battling spirit has seen them earn creditable away points against Fiorentina and Lazio, and they also battled to secure a late draw in a thriller at Novara. CESENA The 2011-12 season has been a veritable disaster for the Seahorses so far, resulting in the dismissal last week of Marco Giampaolo. Three draws and six defeats in nine games unsurprisingly brought about a change in coach, but Daniele Arrigoni has a big job on to turn around the fortunes of a side in freefall. The addition of Adrian Mutu has simply not worked, and the north-east side have only three goals to their name, including just one in the last seven fixtures. While they showed a battling quality from day one last term, the new toothless outlook does not make for good viewing, and the safety mark is still 37 points away. CHIEVO The Flying Donkeys continue to demonstrate their innate ability to silence the doubters just when they seem to be struggling. Early victories over Napoli and Genoa were mixed in amongst an indifferent streak. Defeats against Parma and Bologna, and dropped points against Novara and Cesena, were added to creditable performances against Juventus and Inter. But their response to a hugely disappointing 4-1 thumping at Siena in Round 10 was swift, with Luca Rigoni's goal seeing off Fiorentina at the weekend. There is room for improvement in Verona, but few would dare back them to go down, especially with warhorses like Sergio Pellissier and Davide Moscardelli still around. FIORENTINA The Viola's season simply hasn't been good enough for a club who have come to expect more in recent times. After an encouraging second half of 2010-11, many in Tuscany would have wanted to see Sinisa Mihajlovic's men hit the ground running. Instead they have seen their captain Riccardo Montolivo flirting with other clubs to such an extent that he lost the armband, and their coach has shown an inability to get the best out of the players at his disposal. Alessio Cerci has blown hot and cold, Stevan Jovetic is still searching for full fitness, while Alberto Gilardino has missed much of the early stages. But behind them is a very suspect midfield, and failures against Cesena, Catania and Chievo in recent weeks make the next four clashes with Milan, Palermo, Roma and Inter crucial for Mihajlovic's future. GENOA It has been a typically mixed beginning to 2011-12 for Il Grifone, with victories over Lazio, Roma and Catania being offset by losses to Chievo, Parma and Fiorentina. If they are to break free from mid-table, they will need to garner consistency from the likes of Kevin Constant, Andrea Caracciolo and Bosko Jankovic, who have all performed in fits and starts so far. Rodrigo Palacio's five goals have been one of the bright points, while Alexander Merkel's recent return from injury has also boosted Alberto Malesani's side. One downside is the likely loss of Juraj Kucka to Inter in the January transfer window. INTER The Nerazzurri's 2011-12 season cannot end quick enough, even now. Currently 12 points off the Champions League pace, there will need to be a huge turnaround in fortunes for them to be in the top three come May. Gian Piero Gasperini's calamitous campaign came to a very swift end, but the issues running through the club have largely remained, even if Claudio Ranieri has managed to steady the ship somewhat in Europe. Defeats at Palermo, Novara and Catania were all embarrassing to various degrees, while they've also suffered two losses at home after a run of one home reverse in 42 months. With ageing midfielders, misfiring forwards and doddering defenders, it has not been the start many Inter fans envisaged two months ago. JUVENTUS Antonio Conte's impact has made the Bianconeri one of the favourites for the Scudetto, and they remain the side to have dropped the fewest points going into the hiatus. Andrea Pirlo's addition in midfield has been pinpointed as the main reason for the club's upturn after consecutive seventh-placed finishes, but there has also been a more dynamic approach about their play. Their new pressing nature has been behind many of their early wins, but the inability to convert the multitude of chances they have created so far has seen a lot of unnecessary points dropped despite their unbeaten record. Free of injuries to key players so far, they have had luck on their side, though Conte's insistence that his men be more adaptable from game to game has deserved some fortune. LAZIO After dropping an early two-goal lead on opening night at Milan and then seeing Genoa take three points from the Olimpico, Lazio were under significant pressure just two games in, with Edy Reja being petitioned to leave his job by many fans. However, the Biancocelesti's response has been magnificent, and they sit in second at the quarter mark following eight games without a loss, with six goals for summer signing Miroslav Klose at the heart of their upturn in fortunes. They have come from behind to win three times so far, including in the Rome derby, and on all three occasions it is the German hitman who has snatched the winner. LECCE Eusebio Di Francesco has been clutching on for dear life in recent weeks as a result of his side's dreadful home form which has seen them collect only one point from five games. Their fortunes at the Via del Mare were never better summed up than in their hosting of Milan, as they led 3-0 at half-time only to throw away all three points. However, a Round 3 win at Bologna and this weekend's priceless victory at bottom club Cesena mean they are still in with a fighting chance for now, though they will need consistent performances from the likes of Juan Cuadrado and skipper Guillermo Giacomazzi if they are to breathe more easily as the season progresses. MILAN Lacking mobility, creativity and vibrancy, the champions started the season in very sluggish fashion, collecting only five points from their opening five games. But since their late, late defeat at Juventus Stadium, they have responded with five straight wins and now sit just a point off the top. Alberto Aquilani has proven an excellent addition as time has progressed, while hat-tricks for Antonio Nocerino and - most memorably - Kevin-Prince Boateng have had a hand in their renaissance. Antonio Cassano's health shock will no doubt deal them a blow, but having scored 18 goals in five games, they have already proven to have the firepower to overcome his loss, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic crucial as ever. NAPOLI After an explosive start which brought back memories of great nights at the San Paolo in the late 80s, the Vesuviani have hit a significant dip in form which has seen them fall well adrift of the top of the table. Edinson Cavani's hat-trick against Milan looked set to be a catalyst for something big, but the Uruguayan took until Round 10 to score again, while victories over 10-man Inter and weakened leaders Udinese have been interspersed with some real letdowns. Losses to Chievo, Parma and Catania have dealt a real blow to hopes of them taking the extra step up from last year's third-placed finish, with Ezequiel Lavezzi, Marek Hamsik et al so far showing an inability to double up at home and in the Champions League. NOVARA Their magnificent victory over Inter at the Silvio Piola was memorable not only because they had beaten the reigning world champions, but also because it remains their only Serie A win since 1956. The double step up from the Lega Pro to the top flight in two seasons has proven difficult for Attilio Tesser's side, though they have made teams work hard for points on their synthetic home surface. Marco Rigoni's form in midfield and Riccardo Meggiorini's work-rate up front have deserved better results so far, but the Azzurri are going to have to become a tougher proposition away from home if they are to have any chance of staying up come May. PALERMO Another season, same old Palermo. After president Maurizio Zamparini lived up to his billing by sacking Stefano Pioli before the season had even begun, the Rosanero have gone about their normal business of being near-unbeatable at home but the exact opposite on their travels. A full 15 points have been earned at La Favorita, but just one away from Sicily as young coach Devis Mangia has failed to buck the trend of the Rosanero struggling on their travels. If they're an A+ at home, they're F- away. While they have not had one single outstanding player so far, the contributions of Federico Balzaretti, Giulio Migliaccio and Abel Hernandez have been too much for visitors to the Barbera. PARMA Sebastian Giovinco continues to revel in the responsibility placed upon his shoulders by the Ducali, and their four victories so far have been due in no small part to the contribution of the Italy forward. Braces in home wins against Chievo and Genoa were impressive enough, but he and Sergio Floccari played key roles as the Emilia-Romagna side took three points from their trip to Napoli. Many of their defeats have come against decent calibre opposition, with only a reverse at home to Atalanta being of significant distress, though the three-goal margins of their losses at Juventus, Fiorentina and Milan will have come as a disappointment. ROMA Clubs should never expect an immediate return on big investment, but the Giallorossi have undoubtedly left many underwhelmed in terms of their results so far. While they have been able to pass many teams out of the game, they have too often let opponents off the hook with the inability to provide a killer edge around the penalty area. That said, Pablo Osvaldo's five goals have shown they do have some weaponry to make more of, while Bojan Krkic has recently begun to find the net after a difficult start. Luis Enrique will need to continue his delicate tweaking of his side if they are to regain the ground they have lost on the leading pack in the opening 10 rounds. SIENA Three straight home wins - each in convincing fashion - have been the feature of Siena's season thus far as Giuseppe Sannino has continued the good work of Antonio Conte during their promotion campaign in 2010-11. The Robur remain a durable outfit with an emphasis on flair when they attack, and with Emanuele Calaio, Mattia Destro and Pablo Andres Gonzalez among their forward options, they hold a threat which has stung many a side so far. In picking up four away draws in six games they have proven they have the hard edge that other sides tipped for a relegation fight have failed to demonstrate in the opening rounds, and their return of 13 points from 10 games is a healthy first step to avoiding the drop. UDINESE Shorn of Alexis Sanchez, Gokhan Inler and Cristian Zapata, the Zebrette were tipped by many to plummet without a trace in 2011-12, but Francesco Guidolin continues to work wonders at the Stadio Friuli. Armed with one of the best scouting systems in the world, the wily coach has injected just the right replacements for his departed stars and has reaped the benefits. And they have played with flair still too, not least thanks to the energy of the likes of Mauricio Isla, Pablo Armero, Kwadwo Asamoah and Emmanuel Badu. Striker Antonio Di Natale continues to score goals too, and his eight goals so far have him well on course to finish as the capocannoniere of Serie A for the third season running, a feat last recorded by Juventus' Michel Platini between 1982 and 1985.

Buffon awaits Cassano return Nov 7, 2011 Captain Gigi Buffon thinks Antonio Cassano could still make the difference for Italy at the 2012 European Championship. The Milan man is currently recovering from minor heart surgery which could see him out of action for up to six months. Cassano has been a key player for his country since the arrival of Cesare Prandelli as Coach, but his place at Euro 2012 is now in doubt.

Italy to field three

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ November 29 for Napoli-Juve? Nov 7, 2011 It

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Mazzarri 'surprised' game was cancelled Nov 6, 2011 Walter Mazzarri admits it was

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Marotta agrees with decision to postpone Napoli clash The Italian club's general manager was hoping the match in Naples would have gone ahead, but agreed with the authorities cancelling due to terrible weather conditions. Nov 6, 2011 Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has said he would have liked Sunday evening's Serie A clash against Napoli to go ahead, but respected the decision to call it off on safety grounds. Authorities decided to postpone the weekend's big game at the San Paolo after heavy rainfall caused severe disruption around the city of Naples. And while Marotta was keen for the match to be played before the upcoming international break due to his side's impressive run of form, he insisted the ruling was correct. "Of course, the ruling from the authorities prevails and this is the right thing," Marotta is quoted as saying on La Repubblica. "We are sorry that the game could not go ahead because we prepared well for it and we are in good form after beating Inter last week. "However, the facts of these last few days go beyond football and this is how it should be." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2011-2012/regular-season/

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Napoli and Juve: 'It wasn't safe' Nov 6, 2011 Both Napoli and Juventus agree it was the right decision to call off tonight

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ NAPOLI-JUVE OFF Nov 6, 2011 Tonight

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Napoli v Juventus Serie A clash called off due to heavy rain The crunch match at the San Paolo is the latest victim of the persistent rain that has affected Italy, but Sunday's other games should go ahead as planned. Nov 6, 2011 The Serie A match between Napoli and Juventus scheduled for Sunday evening at Stadio San Paolo has been called off. The decision was made on Sunday morning after an emergency meeting at the Prefecture of Naples with the Protezione Civile, a national body which deals with exceptional events in Italy. It was decided that the safety of the fans could not be guaranteed as several areas around the stadium are currently flooded. The persistent downpour across the country had already claimed the lunchtime fixture between Genoa and Inter, but the six remaining Serie A matches should go ahead as planned at 15.00CET. Juventus are currently at the top of the league standings, with 19 points from nine games, while Napoli are sixth, with five points fewer. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2011-2012/regular-season/

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Quagliarella out of Napoli clash with injury The Italy international is recovering from a minor knock sustained in training and will be unable to play against his former club at the Stadio San Paolo on Sunday. Nov 6, 2011 Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella has been left out of coach Antonio Conte's 23-man squad for Sunday's crunch Serie A game at Napoli with injury. The 28-year-old attacker picked up a muscular problem in Friday's training session and, while his recovery time is still unknown, he has been deemed unfit for the weekend match. Quagliarella's absence is likely to cause little unrest in Conte as the former Udinese man has so far made only one appearance this season. Meanwhile, Juventus have been boosted by the return of Emanuele Giaccherini, who has made a full recovery from a thigh injury sustained against Chievo last month. Juventus are currently at the top of the Serie A standings, with 19 points from nine games, while Napoli are sixth, with five points fewer. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2011-2012/regular-season/

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Fabio Cannavaro: 'Forza Napoli!' Nov 6, 2011 Fabio Cannavaro admits he

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ De Laurentiis' Napoli-Juve advice Nov 6, 2011 Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis reveals Marek Hamsik

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Ferrara: 'The derby of my heart' Nov 6, 2011 Ciro Ferrara played for both clubs and admits tonight

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Quagliarella out of Napoli trip Nov 5, 2011 Fabio Quagliarella will not make the trip to hometown club Napoli with Juventus, but Emanuele Giaccherini returns. Quagliarella won

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Conte: 'Napoli the toughest test' Nov 5, 2011 Antonio Conte feels Sunday night

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Mazzarri: 'I was like Conte' Nov 5, 2011 Walter Mazzarri tips Juventus as the favourites to beat Napoli on Sunday and notes Antonio Conte

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Serie A Preview The league leaders will travel down south to lock horns with Walter Mazzarri's home side as the San Paolo plays host to the marquee match-up in Serie A this weekend. Nov 5, 2011 PROBABLE LINE-UPS Napoli (3-4-2-1): De Sanctis; Cannavaro, Fernandez, Campagnaro; Maggio, Dzemaili, Inler, Dossena; Hamsik, Lavezzi; Cavani Juventus (4-2-3-1): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Marchisio, Pirlo; Pepe, Vidal, Vucinic; Matri Switzerland international Blerim Dzemaili will replace the injured Walter Gargano in the centre of midfield while Salvatore Aronica's absence will force coach Walter Mazzarri to reshuffle his back three. Marco Donadel is still nursing a thigh injury which has kept him sidelined since pre-season while Mario Santana is suspended. Antonio Conte has almost a full squad to choose from, with Emanuele Giaccherini the only player unavailable for Sunday's crunch clash. Alessandro Matri will keep his place up front while Pepe, Arturo Vidal and Mirko Vucinic will be supporting the lone striker. DID YOU KNOW?

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Antonio Conte: Napoli are one of the favourites for the Scudetto The former Siena man has labelled the Naples club as a Serie A front-runner ahead of the two side's meeting on Sunday. Nov 5, 2011 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has given heavy praise to Napoli, the side's opponents in Serie A on Sunday evening. The Turin club go into the weekend top of the league while Napoli sit in fifth place, five points behind the current leaders. However, Conte is adamant that Walter Mazzarri's men will surmount a credible title challenge this season, despite having a busier schedule this campaign due to their involvement in the Champions League. "I saw Napoli's game against Bayern Munich on Wednesday and aside from the start, they showed great strength. It's not easy to fight back from 3-0 down," he told reporters. "It is no coincidence, right from the start of the season I said Napoli were one of the candidates for the Scudetto. I see the great work that has been done there, first by Edy Reja and then Walter Mazzarri." Conte also sees comparisons between both sides, especially as the Naples-based side had a recent spell outside of Italy's top-flight. "Let us not forget they were in Serie B like Juve five years ago. They found the right people and a project to work on so now they are fighting for the Scudetto and are fighting in Europe, despite the toughest group draw," he added. "I'm confident the Champions League game won't have bad after-effects for Napoli as everyone in the city is waiting for this game." The coach also reacted to questions on Alessandro Del Piero, who has been a substitute for the majority of this season's fixtures. "Let me make something clear, nobody loves Juve more than me, I have a large squad and have to make certain decisions. I could make them wrong but I am not here to be a fan, I'm here to be a coach. I am paid to bring Juve back to where they belong," he said. "I understand the fans and everyone who has an opinion but while I am on this bench, I am in charge." Conte has changed the club's fortunes since taking over in the summer, and the Turin giants are the only unbeaten side left in the league. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2011-2012/regular-season/

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Walter Mazzarri: Juventus are favourites for Sunday's clash The San Paolo coach is happy with the progression his side have made since taking over at the club, and knows that the contest against the current Serie A leaders will be close. Nov 5, 2011 Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has spoken of his delight at the strides his side have made over the last couple of years, but feels Juventus go into Sunday's Serie A clash as favourites. The Naples outfit have come on in leaps and bounds since the 50-year-old took over in 2009, and are considered as realistic Scudetto challengers after solid performances domestically and in the Champions League. Last term's third-placed side are hot on the heels of league leaders Juventus, and go head-to-head with Antonio Conte's men this weekend. "I hope that the last few days allow us to recover physically and necessarily to address the game in top gear," the former Sampdoria trainer told Tuttosport. "Juve are favourites because at this moment they are the team in better shape and are better organised." Napoli are looking to relive the glory days when Diego Maradona wore their side's sky blue shirt, and Mazzarri feels his squad is not far away from getting back to the top. "What is the thing I'm most proud of during my Neapolitan experience? Having brought my club to the verge of reliving the glories of 21 years ago," he concluded. Napoli will look to close the five-point gap between the sides on Sunday. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2011-2012/regular-season/

Claudio Marchisio beats Neymar to win goal of the week Juventus' Italian star edged out the Brazilian prodigy and was a popular choice with viewers of the Goal Show and readers of our International, UK & German editions. Nov 5, 2011 Claudio Marchisio has completed a good week for Juventus by scooping goal of the week for his winner against Inter. Marchisio chalked up 44.27 per cent of the global vote and topped the poll on our International and German editions. Santos' Neymar finished second overall with 32.14% of the vote and topped the individual poll on our UK edition. Fellow Brazilian Eninho, who scored with a cheeky goal from a corner-kick for Jeonbuk Motors, was third with 11.57% followed by Senad Lulic (9.38%) and Alvaro Saborio with 2.64%.

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Paolo Cannavaro looking forward to Juventus test Napoli captain will lead Walter Mazzarri's men against the current Serie A leaders on Sunday, in a clash between two of the main Scudetto challengers this season. Nov 5, 2011 Napoli captain Paolo Cannavaro has stated that he is looking forward to taking on Juventus this weekend, but feels that talk of the clash being between two title contenders is premature. The Naples outfit continue to impress both in Serie A and the Champions League, and, after their third-placed finish last term, are widely considered to be in the running for the Scudetto this season. Juventus, meanwhile, have put the inconsistencies of previous campaigns behind them and are currently top of the league and unbeaten ahead of the match on Sunday. The home team's central defender admits that with both sides doing well this season, there has been a buzz ahead of kick-off. "There is great expectation amongst the squad and in the city itself. I can

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Goran Pandev hopes to strike against Juventus The Macedonia international, who is on loan from Inter, is aiming to be the protagonist against the Bianconeri this weekend as he eyes a win . Nov 4, 2011 Napoli striker Goran Pandev hopes to knock Juventus off from the top of the Serie A table when the teams meet at the San Paolo on Sunday night. Walter Mazzarri's men are hoping to make up for the 3-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League in midweek. Pandev believes there is no better remedy than to beat the Bianconeri in front of a sell-out crowd. "I remember scoring a great goal against Juventus and I hope to give my contribution for Napoli on Sunday," Pandev told Radio Marte. "I am happy to have returned to action as I missed football while I was injured. "I want to pay the faith the club has shown in me when we play against Juventus. "It will be a great game and the fans will lift us I am sure." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2011-2012/regular-season/

Serie A 11^ giornata - Andata - 6-11-2011 (ore 20:45) - RINVIATA Stadio San Paolo - Napoli Arbitro: P. Tagliavento‎ Confronti ufficiali 149 - 130 (Serie A) - 8 (Coppa Italia) - 6 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) 2 (Coppa UEFA) - 2 (Serie B) Vittorie Juventus 68 - 58 (Serie A) - 4 (Coppa Italia) - 4 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Coppa UEFA) - 1 (Serie B) Pareggi 48 - 44 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Serie B) Vittorie Napoli 33 - 28 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 1 (Coppa UEFA) Goals Juventus 225 - 186 (Serie A) - 12 (Coppa Italia) - 21 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 2 (Coppa UEFA) - 3 (Serie B) Goals Napoli 165 - 142 (Serie A) - 11 (Coppa Italia) - 3 (Campionato a gironi) - 5 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 3 (Coppa UEFA) - 1 (Serie B) Napoli - Juventus Serie A a Napoli Confronti ufficiali 65 Vittorie Juventus 20 (L'ultima il 30.09.2000, 1-2) Pareggi 24 (L'ultimo il 23.03.1997, 0-0) Vittorie Napoli 21 (L'ultima il 09.01.2011, 3-0) Goals Juventus 74 Goals Napoli 78 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Napoli a Napoli 13 presenze Scirea Gaetano 12 Furino Giuseppe 11 Boniperti Giampiero 11 Zoff Dino 10 Bettega Roberto 10 Cuccureddu Antonello 10 Gentile Claudio 10 Salvadore Sandro 10 Varglien I Mario 9 Cabrini Antonio 3 goals Boniperti Giampiero 3 Del Piero Alessandro 3 Sivori Omar Enrique 2 Bettega Roberto 2 Buso Renato 2 Candiani Enrico 2 Capello Fabio 2 Damiani Giuseppe 2 De Agostini Luigi 2 Hansen John Ultimi confronti diretti 27.10.2007 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 3-1 16.03.2008 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 1-0 18.10.2008 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 2-1 04.02.2009 Coppa Italia Juventus-Napoli 0-0 28.02.2009 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 1-0 31.10.2009 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 2-3 13.01.2010 Coppa Italia Juventus-Napoli 3-0 25.03.2010 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 3-1 09.01.2011 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 3-0 22.05.2011 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 2-2 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 3 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Napoli 5 - Goals Juventus 12 - Goals Napoli 16

Serie A Week 11 - 6-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Naples Referee: P. Tagliavento‎ Serie A Preview Nov 4, 2011 Darko Kovacevic was on the scoresheet and Edwin Van Der Sar in goal when Juventus last went to Napoli in Serie A and won. It was a wet September 2000 night back then, a tie that the Old Lady triumphed in thanks to a trademark Alessandro Del Piero curler. In the four top-flight games at the San Paolo since, Napoli have won all four