We are up for it, warns Higuain
NAPOLI WELCOME IN-FORM JUVENTUS
onzalo Higuain says Napoli have no intention of buckling under pressure as they continue their quest for a fi rst Scudetto in 26 years with a hotly-anticipated visit to champions Juventus today.
In a Serie A weekend that could also be decisive for Fiorentina and Inter Milan, who face off in Florence tomorrow, Napoli travel to Turin looking for their second victory over the Old Lady this season after winning 4-1 prior to Juventus hitting form.
It would see Maurizio Sarri’s league leaders stretch their advantage over Massimiliano Allegri’s men to five points as the dream of a first league title since the heady days of Diego Maradona draws closer to reality.
After today’s clash Napoli will have 13 games to show they are worthy of succeeding Allegri’s four-time defending champions.
With 24 goals in as many league games, it is no wonder Higuain admits he is “having the best season of my career”.
He has already surpassed the 22-goal tally that earned Mauro Icardi and Luca Toni a share of last season’s Capocannoniere (top scorer) award and has Swedish legend Gunnar Nordahl’s 1950 record of 35 goals in a single, 20team season firmly in his sights.
A second-half winner by Higuain helped Napoli to a 2-1 victory at the San Paolo last September, but Juve were struggling for form and confidence following several key personnel changes last summer.
Allegri’s men have since strung 14 consecutive wins together to maintain their bid for a record-equalling fi fth consecutive league title, although they have the added pressure of the Champions League to contend with.
Although Napoli, who have won eight in a row, boast the most potent attack (53 goals), Juve keeper Gianluigi Buffon believes the league’s stingiest defence (15 conceded) can thwart them.
“Both teams will be out to win, but for us it is also important not to lose,” said Buffon.
A stalemate in Turin would be embraced by Fiorentina and Inter, who are now respectively 10 and 11 points off the pace in third and fourth ahead of tomorrow’s meeting in Florence.
Inter can ill-afford to lose ground in their bid to secure Champions League football next season.
AC Milan, meanwhile, will be hoping for a draw in Florence ahead of hosting Genoa at the San Siro tomorrow. – AFP