Two teams in grand form led by two debutante managers face off at the San Paolo on Sunday afternoon, in what could prove to be an early but crucial match to set the tone for the Scudetto race.
It’s not Maurizio Sarri’s first season in charge of a Serie A team, but it might as well be. Last season was his actual debut in the league as manager of newly-promoted Empoli, but his surprising appointment to Napoli in the wake of Rafa Benitez’ departure can be considered a “debut” of sorts as the longtime lower-league maestro now finds himself at the head of one of Italy’s biggest clubs.
Former Juventus player Paulo Sousa, for his part, has had a distinguished coaching career across Europe for the past eight years, doing respectable work in England, Israel, Hungary and Switzerland, among his achievements a league championship with Basel and another with Maccabi Tel-Aviv. For him too, though, a return to Serie A and an appointment to the likes of Fiorentina must be considered a step up in profile – and he has risen to the challenge in grand style, taking Fiorentina to the top of the table for the first time since 1999.
“We know there are stronger teams than us out there,” said Sousa after their last match, a 3-0 victory against Atalanta, “But we have our own arsenal of strengths and we’re building a united team mentality. And I’ve asked my boys to give their all against everyone.”
“Fiorentina are the only team so far which has dominated each and every game,” agreed Sarri on Saturday. “They finished ahead of us last season, and currently are in a much deserved first place. They are capable of winning the Scudetto.” Sarri, though, does not intend to go gently, and appealed to the Napoli supporters: “I want you to make the San Paolo hell for them. They will give us trouble, and you can help us.”
Projected lineups:
Napoli (4-3-3): Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Allan, Jorginho, Hamsik; Callejon, Higuain, Insigne.
Sarri finds himself in the happy position after the international break of having a full-strength starting 11 at his disposal, with Lorenzo Insigne having almost miraculously recovered from the knee injury that forced him to leave the national team training camp shortly after arriving. The dangerous midfield trio of Allan, Jorginho and Hamsik declare an attacking mentality, with the three strikers ready to pounce on every opportunity that Sarri’s well-organized side can provide them.
Players to watch: Lorenzo Insigne, Allan, Marek Hamsik
Fiorentina (3-4-2-1) Tatarusanu; Tomovic, Rodriguez, Astori; Blaszczykowski, Badelj, Vecino, Marcos Alonso; Borja Valero, Ilicic; Kalinic.
Sousa is not without options with his lineup, as Manuel Pasqual has recovered from injury and will start from the bench – as will talismanic American striker Giuseppe Rossi. Federico Bernardeschi may also feature as a substitute. For the starting lineup though expect to see Sousa’s trademark well-organized passing game, fluid movements and an attacking mentality to rival Napoli’s.
Players to watch: Davide Astori, Marcos Alonso, Borja Valero.
Bold prediction: Never underestimate the psychological advantage of a home crowd. If Sarri’s words are heeded by the Neapolitan faithful, and the San Paolo does indeed become a circle of Dante’s inferno for the unlucky Florentines, nothing can stop Napoli. This will be a high-scoring, attack-minded game, but with the ever-more-indispensable Lorenzo Insigne healthy and in form, the points will – perhaps narrowly – go to the home side.
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