Napoli out to consolidate, Juve await title

ROME. Napoli have all but given hope of snatching the Serie A title from Juventus, but have no intention of giving up a coveted runners-up spot that would guarantee their return to the Champions League next season.

Friday, April 26, 2013

SaturdayAtalanta     vs     Bologna    18:00    Cagliari     vs     UdineseUS Pescara     vs     Napoli    20:45    SundaySampdoria     vs     Fiorentina    15:00    Chievo     v s    GenoaPalermo     vs     InterTorino     vs     JuventusParma     vs     LazioAS Roma     vs     SienaMilan     vs     Catania    20:45    ROME. Napoli have all but given hope of snatching the Serie A title from Juventus, but have no intention of giving up a coveted runners-up spot that would guarantee their return to the Champions League next season.With an 11-point cushion on Napoli and requiring only four points from their last five games, Juventus are virtually assured what would be their 29th league title, their second under coach Antonio Conte.The Bianconeri even have the chance to secure the championship on Sunday if they prevail over city rivals Torino and Pescara do the unthinkable and defeat visiting Napoli.Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, for one, does not expect Juventus to break open the bubbly this weekend."I don’t believe Napoli will slip up, they’re in the hunt for second place,” said Chiellini. "Honestly, I don’t think (Walter) Mazzarri’s team will have any problems.”Having suffered only four defeats away from home, from five in total this season – while the biggest of Pescara’s six wins came away to Fiorentina – Napoli are expected to account for Pescara at the Stadio Adriatico.Arguably the bigger question on the Napoli fans’ minds, however, is how well they would fare in next season’s Champions League without star striker Edinson Cavani.Uruguayan international Cavani tops the Serie A scoring charts with 23 goals from 30 appearances, five ahead of in-form Udinese veteran Antonio Di Natale.Now with a seven-point deficit to Napoli following their 1-0 defeat at Juventus last week, AC Milan face a potential banana skin at home to Catania as they look to secure at least third place, which offers a Champions League place through preliminary qualification.