Napoli Fans In Stadium Ban
A segment of the Napoli tifosi has ensured that their heroes will play their next home game behind closed doors, following an Italian FA-imposed stadium ban at the San Paolo...
Napoli fans were all smiles following their side's late 1-0 win over Livorno on Wednesday night, but the tifosi will be in a grimmer mood following the revelation that they will miss the next home game.
The Italian FA (FIGC) has ordered that the ciucciarelli play their next home fixture - against Genoa in a week and a half - behind closed doors.
The infringements carried by a portion of the fanbase include the displaying of offensive banners, and throwing bottles towards the pitch. Apparently, an assistant referee was hit by one of these missiles, this seemingly being the crux of the issue.
A statement on the official Napoli website, however, states that the club intends to appeal the decision.
It began, "The società, while condemning without reservation the events that took place during the match with Livorno, attributable to the actions of a thoughtless person occupied in our field, states that it will tomorrow propose, with full urgency, a claim to the appeals court of the FIGC in order to revoke the decision of the sporting judge."
Last time the sides met for a 0-0 draw at the tail end of last season, both Napoli and Genoa had already secured promotion. This time, the visitors are fighting for survival while the home side will look to continue their decent run of form - with or without their fans.
Ancelotti Invites Critics To Re-Watch Palermo Match
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti came back on the controversial episode which led to Palermo's equaliser yesterday, and invited the nay-sayers to actually watch yesterday's game, which Milan admittedly dominated.
The day after the defeat against Palermo, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti came back on the episode of Amauri's handball during the move that led to the Rosanero's equaliser. He also dismissed talk of a crisis at the Rossoneri.
"What we're bitter about is that we played very well without picking up any points, and this mistake by the referee cost us a lot. Stefano Farina is one of the best referees, anyone can make mistakes, but I think it was a pretty serious mistake and I won't say anything else because there is nothing more to add," the coach said.
"That was a clear situation in which a player jumped in the air with his arm raised. Everyone saw that. What do I answer to those who say we are in a crisis? Take a look at a DVD of the match against Palermo..."
Crespo: Roma Good To Watch, But Inter The Best
Hernan Crespo insists that while the odd Roma display is turning heads, the Nerazzurri are still the best team in Italy.
Roma and Inter are both joint leaders in the race for the Scudetto, and face off on Saturday in yet another top of the table clash.
Hernan Crespo insits that the San Siro side are stronger.
"It's certainly nice to watch Roma play but I still feel Inter are the strongest team in the championship because of our squad," he told Sky Italia this afternoon.
"There's always a replacement for every player."
Speaking about Saturday's big game, he said: "It will be a very hard match and we will have to approach it in the best way possible.
"After the defeat in Turkey and the draw in Livorno we needed this win over Sampdoria, and we played well to get it so there was no better way to prepare for the game in Rome."
"Every player wants to play these kind of matches," he continued. "They might not be that important in terms of the table but they can earn you important points that you carry forward with you and that count when May comes.
"The big matches count for the Scudetto but so do all the other matches. Consistency counts. You win the championship at the end, not before, and playing well helps you win.
He is also hoping to cintinue his scoring form against Roma, and admits there is unfinished business following the Italian Super Cup defeat: "Yes, it's true, I scored a lot against the Giallorossi last year but we have to try again now. We will see if this trend continues.
"The only thing that hasn't gone right for Inter in this start to the season was the Italian Super Cup final. We wanted to do well and win it but we lost.
"As for all the rest I think we're on the right track and indeed we are first in the table. And now we have the chance to overtake one of our title rivals."
goal.com