Napoli have started their Serie A campaign with two solid wins: a 3-0 away at Palermo, and a 2-1 home victory over Fiorentina. But the solid -- although slightly uninspiring -- win over the Viola was marred by the condition of the pitch at the Stadio San Paolo. At times, it looked as though the players were treading through sand. Suggestions were made that the field was kept in such a condition to give the partenopei an advantage, but while Castel Volturno might be near the beach, I'm fairly certain the players aren't actually training next to the waves. Besides, they looked just as perturbed as the visitors.
Napoli v Parma, Preview: Is The Grass Any Greener In Naples?
Rumour has it that the grass has grown, so this time, all attention will be on the football. And the football should look just fine, with youngster Lorenzo Insigne making supporters forget all about that traitor Argentine that took off to Paris, and with Marek Hamsik seemingly determined to compete with Edinson Cavani for the most goals scored in an azzurri kit this season.
Parma had to start their season off against Juventus, who taunted them by flaunting their top goal scorer of last season, Sebastian Giovinco, in front of their faces, before going on to win 2-0. At home before the international break, however, the gialloblu wiped out their negative goal difference with a 2-0 win against Chievo Verona. The visitors barely threatened, however, so it's almost certain Parma will have a more difficult time of it this week.
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