Napoli have guaranteed second place, while AS Roma must win and hope their rivals Lazio lose if they're to move any higher in the league. Even if they do manage to jump Lazio, it'd only be into sixth place, with any remaining hope the giallorossi had of qualifying for Europe dashed by failing to win in their last couple of games.* It looks ever-more likely that caretaker coach Aurelio Andreazzoli will soon be sliding back into the assistant's seat.
AS Roma vs. Napoli, Preview: The end-of-season fun’s all at the Olimpico
There’s next-to-nothing at stake as two of the league’s top scorers face off on Sunday, though there should be goals.
*there’s also that little detail of the Coppa Italia, of course. keep reading.
Given that they’ve got pretty much nothing to play for in the league, Roma can be forgiven for not paying much attention to this game. After all, they’ll be back out on the Olimpico’s field for a final time next week, looking to beat Lazio and take the Coppa Italia. Managing to squeeze through this game without sustaining any injuries could be their top priority.
Napoli, however, have no such excuses. They've won eight of their last nine matches, and have hit Scudetto-challenging form -- albeit a few months too late. The position of their coach Walter Mazzarri is still unsure -- some recent reports in the Italian media have coincidentally seen him linked with the semi-vacant seat at Roma -- and if it turn's out he's on his way, it's only fitting his reign at the partenopei culminates in a crazy goalfest. With these sides the top two scorers in Serie A, that's far from an impossibility.
Roma will be without captain Francesco Totti through suspension, while goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg is in doubt with an injury. Napoli have Lorenzo Insigne sidelined with a one-match ban, and defender Hugo Campagnaro is an early doubt.
AS Roma Injuries and Suspensions
Out: Francesco Totti (suspended) In doubt: Maarten Stekelenburg
Napoli Injuries and Suspensions
Out: Lorenzo Insigne (suspended) In doubt: Hugo Campagnaro
Match Date/Time: Sunday 19th May 2013 at 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. E.T.
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
TV: Sky Calcio 2 (Italy)
See More:
