The Siren's Song - Serie A: Napoli vs. Torino, 2016.01.06Fall Under the Spell of Napolihttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52658/tss_fav.png2016-01-07T00:01:24+01:00http://www.thesirenssong.com/rss/stream/104884052016-01-07T00:01:24+01:002016-01-07T00:01:24+01:00Maurizio Sarri was sent off for stepping onto pitch<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.tuttonapoli.net/notizie/kk-svela-il-motivo-dell-espulsione-di-sarri-era-arrivato-ad-un-passo-dal-centrocampo-258961">Maurizio Sarri was sent off for stepping onto&nbsp;pitch</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>While Giampiero Ventura earned his early exit for punching his bench and screaming at referee Marco Di Bello, Maurizio Sarri was apparently dismissed for <em>daring </em>to take one step onto the pitch.</p>
<br /><p>I guess that means Max Allegri won't be able to take his ten-yard sojurns into midfield anymore, eh?</p></p></div>
https://www.thesirenssong.com/2016/1/7/10725972/maurizio-sarri-was-sent-off-for-stepping-onto-pitchConor Dowley2016-01-06T23:25:58+01:002016-01-06T23:25:58+01:00Napoli 2, Torino 1: Insigne leads magnificent show
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<figcaption>Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Lorenzo Insigne was on point as Napoli dominated Torino to re-start the Serie A season.</p> <p>The score was close, but the action on the pitch was not as Napoli dominated the day against Torino in a 2-1 win that saw Lorenzi Insigne getting back to his best in a tremendous team performance. There were some controversial moments in the match, with a questionable first-half penalty and both managers getting sent off late on, but Napoli were rarely in much danger in this game.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/">Napoli</a> came storming out of the gates, putting on a blistering attack that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/torino">Torino</a> and goalkeeper <span>Daniele Padelli</span> just barely weathered. Jose Callejon came within inches of a brace in the opening 15 minutes, and several other Napoli players had chances to score as well.</p>
<p>Just as concerns were mounting that maybe Napoli were going to struggle to break the door down, though, Lorenzo Inisgne stepped up and <a href="http://www.thesirenssong.com/napoli-pictures-clips-funny/2016/1/6/10725020/lorenzo-insigne-scores-goal-on-tremendous-half-volley-lob" target="_blank">scored an absolutely fantastic goal</a>, lobbing Padelli off a half-volley from a Jose Callejon assist. It's a goal that we'll be seeing in highlight reels for a long time, and will almost certainly be a Goal of the Year candidate at the end of the season.</p>
<p>Napoli kept dominating the run of play for a time, just a few minutes after scoring they'd have a few shaky moments in possession that lead to a near disaster. Bruno Peres burst into the box and <span>Faouzi Ghoulam</span> went in for a risky tackle to clear the ball behind for a corner -- but there was contact with Peres, and the referee behind the goal called for a penalty. <a href="http://www.thesirenssong.com/napoli-pictures-clips-funny/2016/1/6/10725108/faouzi-ghoulam-penalty-judge-torino-napoli" target="_blank">On closer inspection</a>, it looks like a bad call, as Ghoulam had cleared the ball out of Peres' path before the players contacted each other. The referees don't get to use replay, though, so the call stood, and <span>Fabio Quagliarella</span> equalized from the spot despite <span>Pepe Reina</span> getting a hand to his drive to the corner.</p>
<p>That lead to a brief spell where the momentum threatened to shift Torino's way, but Napoli didn't take long to get things going back in their favor and start hammering away at Padelli's goal again. They needed a goal by halftime to make sure the momentum stayed headed in the right direction, though -- and a goal is exactly what they got, with Insigne playing provider to Marek Hamsik, setting up <a href="http://www.thesirenssong.com/napoli-pictures-clips-funny/2016/1/6/10725154/marek-hamsik-celebrates-300-serie-a-matches-goal-napoli-torino-video-watch" target="_blank">a goal for his captain to celebrate his 300th Serie A appearance</a>.</p>
<p>The second half was played a bit more cagily, with Napoli focused more on frustrating Torino's efforts to score while looking more to wait for more opportune chances to score rather than forcing the issue themselves. <span>Kalidou Koulibaly</span> was the man to watch in the second half, threatening on set pieces and making huge stops in defense -- though a poor touch on the ball almost gave Maxi Lopez a chance to set up another equalizer for Torino, but Koulibaly's recovery effort and a poorly aimed cross kept the score at 2-1.</p>
<p>It was not long after that incident that something strange happened. Action on the pitch stopped because basically the entire Torino coaching staff got up on the touchline and started yelling at referee Marco Di Bello -- an unpopular man with both teams throughout the match -- and his assistants. <span>Giampiero Ventura</span> and at least one of his assitants were promptly sent off -- but so too was <span>Maurizio Sarri</span>, who from the camera angels we were shown did not appear to be involved in the shouting match. It was a bizarre situation made more so by Sarri hanging around the exit tunnel smoking and Ventura turning back <i>twice</i> to scream some more before finally leaving the pitch.</p>
<p>That would be the final notable action of the match, though, with only a couple of half-chances apiece for each team before the final whistle blew. It was an important win for Napoli -- not only does it allow them to build positive momentum coming right out of the gates in 2016, it sees them keep pace in the crowded top section of the Serie A table as all their direct rivals won -- except for Roma, who could only manage a draw against Chievo. Napoli remain in third place, the same spot they held going into the break, and are just one point behind Inter, who were unimpressive despite earning a win over Empoli.</p>
<p>Anything can happen this season -- and as long as Napoli keep on winning the games they need to win, "anything" might just wind up being something truly amazing at the end of the campaign.</p>
<p>Now it's time to get ready for Frosinone this weekend. On to the next.</p>
<p><b>Napoli</b>: Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Lopez (Allan 74'), Valdifiori, Hamsik (Chalobah 88'); Callejon, Higuain, Insigne (Mertens 68')</p>
<p><i>Goals</i>: Insigne (16'), Hamsik (41')</p>
<p><b>Torino</b>: Padelli; Bovo, Glik, Moretti; Peres (Zappacosta 74'), Acquah (Benassi 81'), Vives, Baselli, Molinaro; Belotti (Lopez 66'), Quagliarella</p>
<p><i>Goal</i>: Quagliarella (pen. 21')</p>
https://www.thesirenssong.com/2016/1/6/10725232/napoli-vs-torino-serie-a-2016-final-score-2-1-insigne-leadsConor Dowley2016-01-06T21:46:56+01:002016-01-06T21:46:56+01:00You be the judge: Was this a penalty?
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<figcaption>Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The referee thought this was a foul and a penalty on Faouzi Ghoulam. We're not so sure.</p> <p>This play saw Torino awarded a penalty that allowed them to equalize the scoreline at 1-1 against Napoli through a Fabio Quagliarella strike that Pepe Reina couldn't <i>quite</i> turn around the post. The question is, though, should this have been called against Faouzi Ghoulam? You decide.</p>
<iframe frameborder="0" width="480" height="270" src="//www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x3l3bwx" allowfullscreen></iframe><br><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3l3bwx_ghoulam-provoque-un-penalty-contre-le-torino_sport" target="_blank">Ghoulam provoque un penalty contre le Torino!</a> <i>by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/lagazettedufennec" target="_blank">lagazettedufennec</a></i>
<p>Our take: Ghoulam should never, ever have made that challenge. It was dangerous from the start, and in that situation -- with the angle of Bruno Peres' run and how fast the ball was coming in there -- nothing dangerous was coming of it. That said, it's not a penalty. Ghoulam got the ball, then Peres came across him. I won't say that Peres made a meal of it or dived or anything, it legit looks like his momentum brings him across Ghoulam and he trips, but that doesn't make it a foul. The ball is going well away and out for a corner by the time Peres makes contact. Again, it's a bad challenge and a sloppy one and a dumb one to make in the first place, but that doesn't automatically make it a foul.</p>
<p>Fortunately, Napoli scored again before the half, so it doesn't matter. Much. For now.</p>
https://www.thesirenssong.com/napoli-pictures-clips-funny/2016/1/6/10725108/faouzi-ghoulam-penalty-judge-torino-napoliConor Dowley2016-01-06T21:36:50+01:002016-01-06T21:36:50+01:00Hamsik celebrates 300 Serie A matches with a goal
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<figcaption>Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A nice way to mark the occasion, no?</p> <p>Oh Marek. You know how to give us all the nice things. And in your 300th Serie A match, no less!</p>
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<p>That was a much-needed second goal for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/">Napoli</a> after <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/torino">Torino's</a> rather questionable penalty equalizer. That run onto the ball was classic Marek Hamsik, and the finish was sugar and spice and everything nice. After the momentum threatened to swing into Torino's favor following the equalizer, this goal was vital to put things firmly back in Napoli's hands before half-time.</p>
https://www.thesirenssong.com/napoli-pictures-clips-funny/2016/1/6/10725154/marek-hamsik-celebrates-300-serie-a-matches-goal-napoli-torino-video-watchConor Dowley2016-01-06T21:17:21+01:002016-01-06T21:17:21+01:00Insigne scores on tremendous half-volley lob
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<figcaption>Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It's early, but this might wind up as Napoli's best goal of 2016.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/">Napoli</a> were running rampant over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/torino">Torino</a> in the early goings, but 15 minutes into the match they'd failed to score from their myriad of chances. That was until <span>Lorenzo Insigne</span> had his say.</p>
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<p>That. Is. AMAZING. Taking that ball at hip level on a half-volley like that and lobbing the keeper is just ... it's just ... I really have no words. It's unfair. It's a sure-fire Goal of the Season contender. Oh, and nice assist there, Jose Callejon. Don't think we don't see that.</p>
<p>The goal was also important for Napoli's momentum in the match -- too often this season we've seen them have these spells of dominance where nothing comes of it. That goal will help settle their nerves and get things rolling in the right direction, giving them the confidence to go out and really hammer Torino.</p>
https://www.thesirenssong.com/napoli-pictures-clips-funny/2016/1/6/10725020/lorenzo-insigne-scores-goal-on-tremendous-half-volley-lobConor Dowley2016-01-06T20:06:45+01:002016-01-06T20:06:45+01:00Napoli vs Torino: Lineups, match chat & a new year
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<p>Let's kick off 2016 with a win, shall we?</p> <p>It's a new year, and it's time for the Serie A season to begin again. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/">Napoli</a> are hosting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/torino">Torino</a>, and thanks to all their rivals in the table save Roma winning, the pressure is on for Napoli to pick up a win themselves to maintain their third-place position coming into the day and keep pace with Inter atop the table.</p>
<p>Fortunately for Napoli, they've done very well against Torino in recent years, and with that added to the club's impressive home form, hopes are high coming into this game. They'll have to do it without two key midfielders -- Jorginho is suspended and Allan is apparently not quite fit after entering the winter break pretty banged up, so <span>Mirko Valdifiori</span> and David Lopez will be starting in their place. Interestingly, Henrique isn't on the bench despite not having officially left the club yet, with <span>Sebastiano Luperto</span> in his usual spot among the reserves.</p>
<p>Torino are going with their usual 3-5-2, with Bruno Peres returning from suspension, and rumored Napoli transfer target Nikola Maksimovic still not even making the bench as he tries to come back from a broken foot. They still have ex-Napoli striker <span>Fabio Quagliarella</span> in the lineup, though, and we all know how much he likes to make life difficult for his former club.</p>
<p><b>Napoli</b>: Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; David Lopez, Valdifiori, Hamsik; Callejon, Higuain, Insigne</p>
<p><b>Torino</b>: Padelli; Bovo, Glik, Moretti; Peres, Acquah, Vives, Baselli, Molinaro; Belotti, Quagliarella</p>
<h4>Watch It</h4>
<p><b>TV</b>: Sky Calcio 1, Sky Sport 1 HD Italia (Italy), BT Sport Europe (U.K.)</p>
<p><b>Online</b>: beIN Sports Connect (U.S.), Sky Go Italia (Italy), BT Sports Live Streaming (U.K.)</p>
<p>Other live viewing options can be found <a target="_blank" href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1665480/napoli-vs-torino/">here</a>, and as always, you can discuss the match at hand in the comments below (links to illegal streams will be removed and repeat offenders banned). You can also follow along with us live on <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/SirenSongNapoli">Twitter</a>, and we'll have updates of the most important events on our <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/SirenSongNapoli">Facebook page</a>, which you should definitely like.</p>
https://www.thesirenssong.com/2016/1/6/10724514/napoli-vs-torino-confirmed-lineups-team-news-live-online-streaming-serie-a-2016Conor Dowley2016-01-06T19:44:01+01:002016-01-06T19:44:01+01:00Torino try to taunt Napoli with Captain's armband<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/SerieA_TIM/status/684805665819365376">Torino try to taunt Napoli with Captain's&nbsp;armband</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>That captain's armband that Kamil Glik will be wearing, with an image of a bull attacking a donkey, two of the symbols of the clubs, is Torino's attempt at poking Napoli in the eye for this match. Someone should probably tell them that pissing off this team is a really bad idea.</p></p></div>
https://www.thesirenssong.com/2016/1/6/10724342/torino-try-to-taunt-napoli-with-captains-armbandConor Dowley2016-01-06T08:25:07+01:002016-01-06T08:25:07+01:00Napoli v Torino preview: Restart on the right foot
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<figcaption>Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The season re-starts with Napoli playing at home, hosting Turin's second team.</p> <p>It's finally time for Serie A action to resume after the too-long winter break -- OK it's not <i>that</i> long, it just feels like an eternity -- and Napoli fans will be hoping the <i>partenopei </i>kick off 2016 in style with a successful outing at home against struggling Torino.</p>
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<font color="blue">Napoli</font> vs. Torino:<span>January 6th, 2016</span> <span>8:45 p.m. CET, 2:45 p.m. ET</span> <span>Stadio San Paolo</span><span>Naples, Italy</span>
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<p>Historically, this isn't a particularly compelling rivalry -- in the last 20 times these two have faced off in league action, they've drawn nine times with Napoli only winning six of the other matches. But in recent years it's been a bit more one-sided, with Napoli winning four of the six matches between the two since Torino returned to Serie A in 2012, though Torino did emerge victorious the last time they faced off.</p>
<p>That was a very different Napoli side, though, coming on the downside of the ill-fated Rafa Benitez "era" -- who interestingly enough was just relieved of his duties at Real Madrid this week. Now, Napoli are a much tougher side and one that's been tougher on Serie A opponents to play against, while Torino have taken a fairly large step back from the side that did so well in the league the last two years and impressed in the Europa League a year ago.</p>
<p>Of course, that's no guarantee of victory, but what will help Napoli is that Maurizio Sarri's team is very healthy, with only Manolo Gabbiadini at all in doubt. Torino are much more beat up, with several important players having missed time before the break, and the news on their health coming out of it looking mixed at best. Even Napoli transfer rumor target Nikola Maksimovic is at best a doubt to make a return from the broken foot that's kept him out since August.</p>
<p>This is a match that Napoli <i>should </i>win, and they've typically done better in those matches this season -- but <i>should</i> and <i>will</i> are two different things, and no Napoli fan is comfortable with <i>should</i>. Regardless, this should be an exciting match, and one that presents an interesting tactical challenge, and Napoli's results against the kind of 3-5-2 that Giampiero Ventura will be deploying have been pretty mixed this season. We'll soon see how well they've learned from their previous mistakes.</p>
<h5>Projected Lineups Sure To Be Wrong</h5>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/torino">Torino</a></b>: Padelli; Bovo, Glik, Moretti; Peres, Vives, Baselli, Acquah, Molinaro; Quagliarella, Belotti</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/">Napoli</a></b>: Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Allan, Jorginho, Hamsik; Callejon, Higuain, Insigne</p>
<h5>At A Glance</h5>
<p>Torino: 12th; 6W 4D 6L; League Form: LDWWL</p>
<p>Napoli: 3rd; 10W 5D 2L; League Form: WDLWW</p>
<h5>Watch It</h5>
<p><b>TV</b>: Sky Calcio 1, Sky Sport 1 HD Italia (Italy), BT Sport Europe (U.K.)</p>
<p><b>Online</b>: beIN Sports Connect (U.S.), Sky Go Italia (Italy), BT Sports Live Streaming (U.K.)</p>
<p>Other live viewing options can be found <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1665480/napoli-vs-torino/" target="_blank">here</a>, and as always, we'll have a match thread live here for discussion of the game at hand. You can also follow along with us live on <a href="https://twitter.com/SirenSongNapoli" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and we'll have updates of the most important events on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SirenSongNapoli" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>, which you should definitely like.</p>
https://www.thesirenssong.com/2016/1/6/10721220/napoli-torino-serie-a-2016-match-preview-tv-schedule-team-news-live-online-streamingConor Dowley