Napoli stun Juventus as Milan win in Serie A
Monday, 2 November 2009
ROME, Nov 1 (AFP): Napoli fought back from a two-goal deficit for the second time in three days to shock Juventus 3-2 in Turin Saturday and prevent Ciro Ferrara's team from closing the gap on leaders Inter Milan.
Marco Borriello scored a brace as improving AC Milan moved up to fourth with a 2-0 defeat of newly-promoted Parma, who dropped to sixth.
Having scored two injury-time goals to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Milan Wednesday, Napoli produced another dramatic and ultimately even more successful comeback.
Marek Hansik scored a brace while substitute Jesus Datolo scored one and created one as Napoli moved up to fifth while second-placed Juve remain four points behind Inter.
Ferrara could not hide his disappointment.
"This defeat is like a punch in the face which hurts, it hurts a lot," he said.
"Already in the first half we took a lot of risks. After we went in front we didn't play with the right intensity against a team like Napoli who never give up.
"We wanted to win this game but we lost it because of our own lack of concentration."
It means Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri is unbeaten in four matches since taking over from former Italy boss Roberto Donadoni.
"Right now I already want to start thinking about our next game against Catania, throw water on the fire, but we'll still enjoy this victory, we did very well," he said.
"I've found a good group who have quickly understood my ideas. It's not just about character, the lads are also understanding certain moves."
Napoli's German Denis, the substitute hero Wednesday with a goal deep into injury time, quickly turned to villain for the southerners.
Four times in the first 22 minutes he was presented with goalscoring chances but three times he headed wide from close range and with the fourth he failed to even make contact.
Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also had to make a fingertip save to divert a dipping Salvatore Aronica shot over the bar as Napoli dominated.
Finally Juve started to exert some pressure themselves and Felipe Melo shot inches wide after Diego teed him up.
Marco Borriello scored a brace as improving AC Milan moved up to fourth with a 2-0 defeat of newly-promoted Parma, who dropped to sixth.
Having scored two injury-time goals to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Milan Wednesday, Napoli produced another dramatic and ultimately even more successful comeback.
Marek Hansik scored a brace while substitute Jesus Datolo scored one and created one as Napoli moved up to fifth while second-placed Juve remain four points behind Inter.
Ferrara could not hide his disappointment.
"This defeat is like a punch in the face which hurts, it hurts a lot," he said.
"Already in the first half we took a lot of risks. After we went in front we didn't play with the right intensity against a team like Napoli who never give up.
"We wanted to win this game but we lost it because of our own lack of concentration."
It means Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri is unbeaten in four matches since taking over from former Italy boss Roberto Donadoni.
"Right now I already want to start thinking about our next game against Catania, throw water on the fire, but we'll still enjoy this victory, we did very well," he said.
"I've found a good group who have quickly understood my ideas. It's not just about character, the lads are also understanding certain moves."
Napoli's German Denis, the substitute hero Wednesday with a goal deep into injury time, quickly turned to villain for the southerners.
Four times in the first 22 minutes he was presented with goalscoring chances but three times he headed wide from close range and with the fourth he failed to even make contact.
Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also had to make a fingertip save to divert a dipping Salvatore Aronica shot over the bar as Napoli dominated.
Finally Juve started to exert some pressure themselves and Felipe Melo shot inches wide after Diego teed him up.