Napoli vs Udinese - ESPN 7:45pm

Peyton Manning

vs

Stadio San Paolo, Naples
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
ESPN

Team P W D L GD Pts
1 AC Milan 33 21 8 4 36 71
2 Napoli 32 20 5 7 22 65
3 Inter Milan 33 19 6 8 21 63
4 Lazio 32 17 6 9 12 57
5 Udinese 32 17 5 10 23 56

Potentially a cracking game tonight with a big say in the title race. After Inter's loss yesterday, it's now a two horse race between Milan and Napoli. Win tonight and Napoli are only 3 points off Milan (again), so they'll be going all out for the win. As will Udinese, who want to keep their slim hopes of Champions League football alive, or at the very least Europa League, having seen their title challenge end the past 2 weeks. Napoli will also be out for revenge having been beaten 3-1 by their opponents earlier this season.

This game could have been easily my most anticipated game of the season were it not for Di Natale and Sanchez being ruled out for Udinese. With the Godly Cavani returning for Napoli, I see a win for the home side but because Udinese have to win too, we should have a lively game.

Serie A has thrown up some sensational games this year, hopefully this fine Sunday evening we see another.

As for the title race itself, Napoli have a dreadful schedule to finish the season, with Milan having a more straight-forward run in, albeit with a couple of potential tricky away trips.

Napoli remaining fixtures:
Napoli vs Udinese
Palermo vs Napoli
Napoli vs Genoa
Lecce vs Napoli
Napoli vs Inter Milan
Juventus vs Napoli

Milan remaining fixtures:
Brescia vs Milan
Milan vs Bologna
Roma vs Milan
Milan vs Cagliari
Udinese vs Milan

spiralism

Milan's run in is a lot nicer to be fair. Toughest left is a Roma side that have been all over the place for most of the year. Can't see Napoli winning all the remainder of their fixtures, but I definitely could see Milan doing it.

Should be a cracker though, and i'd love to see Napoli win the scudetto. Would it be their first title since the Maradona days?

Peyton Manning

Indeed it would, it would be their first in over 20 years, but it's a huge ask.

Pinturicchio

This game should be fascinating. How often do you see two teams playing each other who both use wingbacks?

Seaneh

Dear Alexis and Antonio,

Please rape Napoli, it would make me a more relaxed Rossonero.

You're in hope,

Sean.

flahavaj

Should be great, easily the two best teams in the league to watch this season. Will bw shouting for Napoli, otherwise it kills the title race.

I would imagine a lot of big clubs will looking at some of the talent on show here tonight.

Peyton Manning

Seaneh wrote: »

Dear Alexis and Antonio,

Please rape Napoli, it would make me a more relaxed Rossonero.

You're in hope,

Sean.

Neither are playing afaik

Seaneh

Well then, Napoli to win 2-0.

Vokes

Napoli Lineup [3-4-3]

26 M. De Sanctis
14 H. Campagnaro
28 P. Cannavaro
4 Victor Ruiz
11 C. Maggio
5 M. Pazienza
21 H. Yebda
8 A. Dossena
17 M. Hamsik
7 E. Cavani
22 E. Lavezzi



Udinese Lineup [3-5-2]

1 S. Handanovic
17 M. Benatia
2 C. Zapata
11 M. Domizzi
3 M. Isla
66 G. Pinzi
88 G. Inler
27 P. Armero
26 G. Pasquale
20 K. Asamoah
16 Denis

Headshot

Cavani 2/1 insurebet 1st goal scorer

Pauleta

No Di Natale or Sanchez for Udinese. I think Napoli will take this. It would of had the potential for a classic if Udinese had a full team. I live in hope though.

Vokes

Looks like Udinese are playing 4 at the back and 5 in midfield.

Oat23

Why are they playing the Blind Date theme tune at the stadium?

Peyton Manning

Tremendous save :eek:

Vokes

Yeah, super save. Esp cos it looked like he saw it late with all the bodies in the way.

Headshot

dammit my winnings just flash before my eyes

Peyton Manning

How the Fook was that a free!!??

Jelle1880

Replay was useless, hard to see if he got clipped.

Peyton Manning

This referee is crooked as f*ck

Pauleta

This game is in desperate need of a goal

Peyton Manning

Another sensational save

Lukker-

Poor match so far.

Jelle1880

Udinese 1-0 up!

Doesn't even celebrate for scoring a screamer.

Vokes

Wow. Vicious bend on that one. Great goal.

Peyton Manning

Sheeeeet

Another Cavani inspired comeback I hope

Jelle1880

Udinese countering very well.

Headshot

Napoli have been crap and while i type its 2-0 Udinese

Jelle1880

2-0!

And another belter!

Peyton Manning

Amazing goal, ffs :mad:

Pauleta

What a finish. 2 great goals. If Cavani turns this around he gets my World Player of the year vote.

Mikeyt086

Serious tekkers by Denis, great goal.

Peyton Manning

Penalty and lifeline for Napoli. Red card too.

Game over. Meh.

Headshot

I know he's top scorer (Cavani)but I still would like to see him do the same next season before I put him on the same pedestal as some people do