Manolas - Napoli

[Kallithea]

If the choice is between Arsenal and Napoli, I’d say stay at Napoli. Their funk isn’t going to last forever and Arsenal doesn’t seem that much better an attraction this season anyway.

[Don Giovanni]

In Gattuso's first match in charge, they lost in typical fashion, suffering a very late goal with the game stuck at 1-1. They committed a lot of men forward in search of a winner and failed to get men back on the transition. The team looked very unfamiliar with Gattuso's tactical demands. Koulibaly slipped on the first goal, failing to take control of the ball, and he was subbed out later injured. With both Koulibaly and Maksimovic suffering injury problems, that leaves Manolas and Luperto having to hold things together until the New Year when they play Inter.

He's done well in the past two games, but with Napoli winning 4-0 against Genk, he started to take things a little too easy and was not paying enough attention when he gave away a pass towards the 80th minute. Against Parma, he was more convincing, although Gervinho at times made things.

They were also handed a tough draw in the UCL: Barcelona. I don't expect it to be an open game of football. Napoli will likely approach the game as they did against Liverpool.

[Don Giovanni]

Napoli have looked really ineffectual and uninspired under Gattuso, who I think may be out of a job soon. They need upgrades in various positions, including replacements for Kouliably, Dries Mertens and Callejon, who won't be easy to replace. Judging by the moves Napoli are looking to make, they aren't willing to spend the cash, which means they'll fall further behind Inter and Juventus in the coming seasons.

[Amorgos]

Koulibaly? Where is he going?

[Don Giovanni]

PSG are offering him big money and it's money they can reinvest elsewhere.

Gattuso has so far overseen four loses in five games. They play Lazio in the Coppa Italia today. A loss there might spell the end for him.

[Don Giovanni]

Napoli won. Manolas helped his team to a clean sheet.

[paokarag4]

I won't lie I'm mildly shocked to see Gattuso pull off a result against decent opposition, but good for them. Would be nice to see Manolas win a trophy

[Don Giovanni]

It wasn't an easy game. Lazio are flying high lately. They are the only team this season to have beaten Juventus, having done it twice. Once in the Supercoppa earlier this season and again this past December.

[Don Giovanni]

Manolas, Meret, Demme (a new signing), and Insigne have been a sensation as of late. The four of them were standouts in the 2-1 win over Juventus. Napoli may just be peaking into form and just in time with Barcelona in their sights late February and mid-March.

[Amorgos]

Great to see indeed, I have seen him the last few matches and he has been great. Wonder if he makes the Greek squad in March... that will be interesting

[Don Giovanni]

I suspect he may remain out. Already reports are suggesting a PAO player will get the call instead. We'll see.

[Dean97]

I’m very curious to see what happens. I also assume he is out. Also I wonder what Sokratis has in his mind regarding the national team.

[Don Giovanni]

Napoli won 4-2 over Ranieri's Sampdoria. I thought between the two teams, Sampdoria had the better game, but a costly mistake for Napoli's fourth by the keeper handed Napoli the win. Manolas was no match for the willy and experienced Quagliarella. The old man scored a superb volley to open Sampdoria's account and later he got Manolas to trip him up for a penalty which leveled the game at two apiece. Manolas I thought did ok overall. He made a crucial block to keep the score at 2-1 earlier in the game and was generally very composed. I actually thought he was a bit unlucky with the penalty. Quagliarella made a meal out of nudge to his foot. I really hope to see Quagliarella at Euro 2020 nonetheless. The old man still has it.

[Don Giovanni]

He had a good performance yesterday. He should have scored to make the game 2-0. That would have won the game. Another key moment occurred when Manolas cut out Messi's pass at the edge box (Messi had loads of space and time, but Manolas did a phenomenal job closing off his options).

[Don Giovanni]

Manolas is in great form. These are his stats on the weekend as Napoli overcame Torino in a 2-1 win:

https://www.whoscored.com/Articles/5...am-of-the-week

In a limited gameweek in Italy as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, Napoli took full advantage to secure their third successive league win with Kostas Manolas vital at the heart of the defence. The Greek centre-back bagged the opener in the Partenopei's 2-1 win over Torino, that his third league goal of the season, which came from one of two shots. Manolas was tidy in possession as 97.3% of his 73 attempted passes found a teammate, while four aerial duels won and two clearances ensured Napoli secured all three points.

Napoli might catch up to secure 4th place if they continue like this. Back-to-back crucial matches against Atalanta and Roma are coming after the match to Barcelona. Napoli can also play spoiler to Inter and Lazio in the title race on the final two match days.