Football-italia
No Koulibaly for best African player
No Koulibaly for best African player
Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has been omitted from the shortlist for the 2018 African Player of the Year, but Juventus’ Medhi Benatia is in. Koulibaly’s exclusion has been heavily criticised on social media, given he helped Napoli finish second in Serie A last season, represented Senegal at the World Cup and is considered one of […]
‘Hamsik critics don’t understand football’
‘Hamsik critics don’t understand football’
Marek Hamsik’s agent has accused critics of the Napoli midfielder of ‘not understanding football’. Hamsik came under fire for his performance during Napoli’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday, but Juraj Venglos maintained his client was not to blame for the Partenopei exiting the competition. “Marek’s fine, even though I didn’t […]
Stadio San Paolo works approved
Stadio San Paolo works approved
The local council in Naples has given the all-clear to start €14m worth of restyling works on the Stadio San Paolo, the home of Napoli. There are already other works in progress to improve the toilet facilities, floodlights and athletics track. The newly-approved action will involve replacement of the seats to fit UEFA standards and […]
Coppa Italia dates confirmed
Coppa Italia dates confirmed
The dates and kick-off times of the Coppa Italia Round of 16 have been confirmed, including Sampdoria-Milan, Bologna-Juventus and Inter-Benevento. As there is a Serie A winter break in January, this time will be used to play Coppa Italia fixtures. Sat Jan 12 Lazio v Novara (14.00 GMT) Sampdoria v Milan (17.00 GMT) Bologna v […]
Verdi returns for Napoli
Verdi returns for Napoli
Simone Verdi was back in Napoli training today, so should be available for the weekend trip to Cagliari. The winger has been out since October 20, and missed the Champions League trip to Liverpool in midweek. However, a training report on the Partenopei’s website announced that “Verdi did the entire training session with the group” […]
Guida to referee Turin derby
Guida to referee Turin derby
Marco Guida has been appointed as the referee for Saturday’s Derby della Mole between Torino and Juventus. The city rivals meet at the Stadio Grande Torino on Saturday night, with the visitors still unbeaten in Serie A this season. Today the referees for Week 16 have been announced, with Guida the man in the middle […]
Napoli fan attacked in Liverpool
Napoli fan attacked in Liverpool
A 24-year-old Napoli fan was reportedly assaulted by Liverpool supporters after the Champions League game on Tuesday night. The Partenopei were beaten 1-0 at Anfield, as result which saw them finish behind the Reds by virtue of goals scored. Under the headline “I thought I was going to die”, today’s Corriere del Mezzogiorno tells the […]
Milik hits out at ‘armchair critics’
Milik hits out at ‘armchair critics’
Napoli striker Arkadiusz Milik defended his performance and last-gasp chance against Liverpool, hitting out at “armchair critics.” The substitute had a massive opportunity to score the equaliser in stoppages, but was denied by Alisson Becker from point-blank range. “These are situations where you don’t have time to think, you have to decide straight away and […]
Chelsea in for Barella
Chelsea in for Barella
Reports in Italy state Chelsea are interested in Cagliari talent Nicolò Barella but so far there hasn’t been any official offer. The 21-year-old is an Italian international, and has been attracting the interest of several top Serie A clubs. Now calciomercato.com is reporting that Chelsea are also interested, with both Coach Maurizio Sarri and his […]
Van Dijk defends Mertens challenge
Van Dijk defends Mertens challenge
Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk defends his challenge on Napoli forward Dries Mertens – “I would never go in to hurt him”. The Dutch defender was booked in the first half for a challenge on his Belgian opponent, as while he did win the ball he hit Mertens on the shin with his studs up. […]