MX23RW : Monday, December 30 20:17:44| >> :600:212700:212700:
[monks data]
Lazio logo
Serie A
Jan 18, 2015 at 11.30am UK
 
Napoli logo

0-1

FT(HT: 0-1)
Higuain (18')

Preview: Lazio vs. Napoli

Sports Mole looks ahead to Sunday's crucial Serie A clash between Lazio and Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico.

Only one point separates Lazio and Napoli in the Serie A table as both sides try to edge closer to the top two.

Lazio will welcome Rafael Benitez's side to the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday with the edge over their opponents, but they head into the encounter following a disappointing 2-2 draw with local rivals Roma last weekend.

Stefano Pioli's side took a strong two-goal lead, but a comeback led by Francesco Totti, who netted a brace, forced Lazio to leave with just one point instead of three.

The gap between Lazio, who sit third, and second-placed Roma is widening, with Rudi Garcia's men occupying a nine-point lead, while Napoli are searching for a win this weekend following their 3-1 defeat to league leaders Juventus.

Both Lazio and Napoli have been linked with the Premier League this week in relation to possible transfer activity.

The former are said to be interested in clinching controversial midfielder Ravel Morrison from West Ham United, while Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain is believed to be a target for Liverpool.

On the pitch this weekend, Lazio can stretch their unbeaten run in Serie A to seven games, but they can only move within six points of Roma should they defeat Napoli on home soil.

It was a high-scoring game the last time these two sides met, with Napoli securing a 4-2 triumph last April, and the Partenopei have dominated the head-to-heads having won four of the last five and drawn one.

Miroslav Klose, who has been linked with a move away from the club, is expected to start up front for Lazio, while Higuain should lead the line for Napoli.

Lazio:

Form in Serie A: DWWDWD
Form in all competitions: WWDWDW

Possible starting lineup: Berisha; Novaretti, Radu, Cavanda, Konko; Onazi, Ledesma; Parolo, Cataldi, Keita; Klose

Napoli:

Form in Serie A: DDLWWL
Form in all competitions: WLWWWL

Possible starting lineup: Rafael; Britos, Albiol, Koulibaly, Maggio; Gargano, Guzman, David Lopez, Hamsik; Callejon, Higuain

Sports Mole says: 1-1


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Written by
Danielle Joynson
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Napoli's Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring during their Italian Super Cup football match against Juventus on December 22, 2014
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atalanta BCAtalanta18132343202341
2Napoli18132327121541
3Inter Milan17124145153040
4Lazio1811253325835
5Fiorentina1795331151632
6Juventus18711030151532
7Bologna167722318528
8AC Milan177642617927
9Udinese187382328-524
10Roma185582424020
11Torino185581924-520
12Empoli184771721-419
13Genoa184771627-1119
14Parma184682534-918
15Como184682030-1018
16Lecce1844101131-2016
17Hellas VeronaHellas Verona1750122140-1915
18CagliariCagliari1835101631-1514
19VeneziaVenezia1834111731-1413
20Monza1817101625-910


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