Speaking on `1 Football Club,` a radio program hosted by Luca Cerchione on 1 Station Radio, lawyer Domenico La Marca shared his insights on recent football events.
Discussing the draw between Napoli and Genoa, La Marca described it as a “big missed opportunity,” particularly as Napoli had taken the lead twice. He noted that after a strong start, highlighted by Lukaku`s goal, Napoli failed to score again and take control of the match. Genoa, well-organized by Vieira, played with freedom, pressing effectively and managing to find an equalizer. In the second half, Napoli started strongly again, pushing persistently for a goal which eventually came from a great play by Raspadori, whom he considered one of the best players on the field along with McTominay. However, after Napoli missed several subsequent chances, they allowed Genoa space in the final minutes, leading to an unexpected equalizer from Genoa`s only real opportunity in the second half.
Analyzing the exciting Scudetto race, La Marca believes the upcoming matchday could prove decisive. Both Napoli and Inter face opponents who are desperately seeking crucial points. Napoli will play Parma, a team that recently seemed safe from relegation but has seen its advantage shrink significantly after losing to Empoli and unfavorable results from direct rivals. Inter faces a somewhat similar situation at home against Lazio, a side fully involved in the race for a Champions League spot, and expected to deliver a strong performance at the Meazza.
Regarding the Parma-Napoli match specifically, he called it a “very tricky challenge” for both teams. Parma is coming off two straight defeats and will be determined to secure the necessary points for survival in front of their home crowd. La Marca pointed out that before their matches against Como and Empoli, Parma had shown solid performances and possessed interesting individual players. He anticipates a very physical game, with Chivu likely fielding two central strikers, possibly Pellegrino or Djuric – both strong in aerial duels – supported by Bonny ready to capitalize on knockdowns. Napoli will need to play intensely, maintaining a high tempo and keeping Parma pushed back to avoid crosses and set pieces, where the physical presence of Chivu`s attackers could pose a threat to the Neapolitan defense.
On the transfer rumor linking Kevin De Bruyne to Napoli, La Marca hailed him as a “fantastic player” and stated his potential signing would be a “sensational move” not just for Napoli, but for all of Italian football. He described De Bruyne as one of the world`s most important players over the last decade, still eager to be a key figure and play at the highest levels. In his view, Napoli could be the ideal choice to maximize De Bruyne`s incredible talent.
Evaluating the potential acquisition of Jonathan David by Napoli, La Marca sees it as a “high-value purchase.” He highlighted that David possesses characteristics currently lacking in Napoli`s attack: skill in tight spaces, speed, and a knack for attacking depth. He considers David a complete center-forward who can lead the line independently or play alongside another striker like Lukaku. Despite his youth, born in 2000, David boasts impressive statistics, having scored at least ten goals every season in France over five years and surpassing 100 goals for Lille.
Regarding the race for the fourth place (Champions League qualification), La Marca stated that Juventus`s results in their last two away games against direct rivals for fourth, Bologna and Lazio, have put the Bianconeri “in a position to control their own destiny.” He stressed that the upcoming match against Udinese will be “fundamental,” adding that coach Tudor will need to “make a virtue of necessity” and manage the team effectively despite numerous absences due to suspensions and injuries.