Week 2: Napoli – Milan

Follow the game as it happens on the forum.

The opening week resulted a 3-2 win vs Tornio. The first half gave hope for a functioning team taking new ideas from new coach Montella. The team trailed off in the second half however and showed lack of fitness. The defending didn’t exactly distinguish itself with Antonelli and to lesser extent Romagnoli disappointing. The latter could have done better in preventing Cristian Molinaro’s cross being easily headed in by Andrea Belotti. In the end Bacca had a welcome hattrick and Donnarumma saved a last second penalty to preserve the three points. In the midst of it all Paletta collected two yellows to miss this week 2 game.

The now Higuain-less Napoli struggled in week one too. The team fell 2-0 behind to newly promoted and Massimo Oddo coached Pescara before recovering and salvaging a tie following a Dries Mertens brace.

Paletta’s enforced absence and the injury to Zapata mean that Gomez is almost certain to get his Milan debut. It should be hoped that he can provide a solid performance, not only in this game, but moving forward as well as the current summer transfer window is not likely to add any further defenders. Gomez will partner Romagnoli and is likely to be joined by De Sciglio and Abate at the back.

Bertolacci’s injury rules him out of this match too and therefore the midfield will remain the same trio as the Torino match meaning Kucka, Montolivo and Bonaventura start. Newcomer Jose Sosa might make the bench. The forward trio should remain unchanged as well with Niang, Bacca and Suso working within the new fast paced system showcased in the first half vs Torino.