Atalanta vs Napoli preview - Jorginho raring to go
Posted Saturday, February 01, 2014 by PA
Brazilian midfielder Jorginho has expressed his delight at joining Napoli ahead of his team's Serie A match at Atalanta on Sunday.
The 22-year-old made his Napoli debut from the bench in last weekend's 1-1 draw against Chievo following his switch from Hellas Verona.
Jorginho then earned his first start in Wednesday's 1-0 Coppa Italia victory over Lazio.
Gonzalo Higuain's goal ensured Napoli a place in the last four of the competition, where they will meet Roma.
"It was a great dream of mine to join Napoli," Jorginho said. "I'm delighted to be here and to be playing with great players like Gonzalo Higuain.
"I was very happy to have played last weekend and to have started against Lazio.
"We know we face two very difficult games against Roma in the semi-finals but we are confident in our means and we know we can go all the way in the Coppa.
"Now we must turn our attention the league."
Rafa Benitez's men go into the encounter in Bergamo on the back of two consecutive league draws against Bologna and Chievo.
Their latest league setbacks have seen Napoli, who are third in the standings, drop six points behind second-place Roma.
With Fiorentina just three points behind them in the standings, the azzurri will be under pressure to take maximum points this weekend.
Benitez is unlikely to hand latest signing Henrique his debut this weekend.
The Brazilian defender joined Napoli from Palmeiras on Thursday.
Rivals Atalanta must overcome the absence of defender Davide Brivio and midfielder Carlos Carmona.
Both players were booked in last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Torino and must serve a one-match ban this weekend.
The only consolation for Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono is that defender Stefano Lucchini and mifielder Giulio Migliaccio return from suspension.
Atalanta have lost three of their last five league games and are 12th in the standings.
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