Who: Napoli v Inter

When: May 5, 2013 20:45 local CET, 2:45pm EST

Where: Stadio San Paolo, Napoli

Napoli

Form: WWDWW

Probable Formation: 3412

Sanctis; Britos, Cannavaro, Campagnaro; Zuniga, Dzemaili, Behrami, Maggio; Hamsik; Cavani, Pandev

Injured/Suspended: -

Notes: It’s a loaded roster that’s missing no one, is at home where the team is nearly invulnerable and has, as of this writing, the specter of Milan chasing it so motivation should not be a factor. Napoli, in Serie A anyway, has proven to be a force that merits respect. Campagnaro, the more mobile of the back three will be joining Inter on a free transfer. Zuniga has been a pest for us in the past. Behrami will be the player that you will both hate and also wonder how he remains on the field after the first 60 minutes. Hamsik is a regret for every other team that didn’t pick him up when they had the chance. And Cavani is a beast, and I think we all know how I feel about him – I chastised Inter for not getting him from Palermo way back.

Inter

Form: WLLWL

Probable Formation: 3511

Handanovic; Chivu, Ranocchia, Juan; Pereira, Kuzmanovic, Kovicic, Benassi, Jonathan; Alvarez; Rocchi

Injured/Suspended: Castellazzi, Zanetti, Samuel, Silvestre, Nagatomo, Mbaye, Obi, Mudingayi, Stankovic, Gargano, Palacio, Cassano, Mililto

Notes: There are a ton of Primavera players on the bench for this one including Pasa, Ferrara, Spendlhofer, Forte and Garritano. Supposedly Cambiasso and Guarin are ready to play. Today, right before the game there is a note that Rocchi and Ranocchia might have to grit their teeth to play – or not play at all.

The nightmare continues and I have no doubt that Inter will lose this match. To pretend otherwise would be foolish. The betting establishments, that I do not endorse, suggest that Napoli will score 3 today – which I could very well see. Those same folks can’t come to any agreement how many if at all Inter would score. Which should tell you which team is the one in trouble. Once again, I am just looking for some heart or spirit for this team. Also I am curious how this team would react without having the paternal hand of Zanetti over them, bailing them out.

But make no mistake, Inter lose this one. The question is by how much.

FORZA INTER