Napoli returns to success in Europe with a goal from Politano in the second half. Spectacular Ospina’s parade in the final.
The Naples find the smile in Europa League: after the unexpected defeat at San Paolo against AZ Alkmaar, the team of Gattuso is imposed on the field of Real society, currently leaders in the Spanish Liga. It’s a goal from Politano (another bomb from distance, with deviation) to decide the match in the second half. Then the Colombian takes care of it David ospina, with a mad flight of his team at the intersection, to lock the success and the three points. Amazing proof of Koulibaly, very high wall for the opponents. Too bad for Osimhen’s expulsion in the final (double yellow card). The Nigerian will be disqualified and will miss the next match against Rijeka. These are the report cards of Areanapoli.it
Ospina: 7.5. He has the crazy streak of the South Americans and so it happens that, when it is in the day, it becomes spectacular as in the scoring opportunity of Real Zaragoza in the final minutes: he flies to the intersection with an all-instinctive intervention and locks the three points in the safe. Great courage in the outings and the usual ease with the ball at his feet.
Hysaj: 6. In defense he juggles well despite having little support from his teammates. For this reason, avoid discovering yourself too much in advance. The Spaniards try to break through mainly on the left.
Maksimovic: 7. On high balls is a guarantee: there is always. Find the right harmony with Koulibaly alternating in the free direction and in the stopper closures.
Koulibaly: 7.5. As in a Rossinian crescendo, it is produced in a powerful performance from the beginning to the grand finale with advances, hand-to-hand clashes and speed: it always comes out the winner. Even head is insurmountable. Out of Insigne due to injury, he is the captain and dictates the line with authority.
Mario Rui: 6. A discreet test, in search of the best form. He has a great opportunity on his feet after a hole in his own: touch below and the ball just to the side. The team relies heavily on him at the exit, while the opponents try to create a lot of headaches for him. It suffers, but it resists with great personality. He slips on the free kick from the edge won by Demme: the perfect assist comes out for Osimhen, unfortunately he touches the ball with both feet.
Bakayoko: 6.5. There is some slag from the injury, but only in some touches that are not exactly precise. Overall, it is an armed phalanx that presses and folds to ensure coverage and a notable physical presence in the challenges in the median.
Demme: 6,5. A marathon runner in constant motion: he grinds kilometers and is practically everywhere to guarantee support for his teammates. He intercepts many passes from his opponents and is precise in the clearances. In the final, with the last remaining energy, he gets a free kick from the edge that eases the tension of the final forcing of the Spaniards. Dall’88 ‘Fabian: vol.
Politano: 7. Gattuso asks him for a big hand in the non-possession phase, which is why he loses his shine in an offensive key. In the action of the goal he relies on the strength of Bakayoko who inspires him from the top of the area from where he lets a torpedo go: deflected ball and beaten goalkeeper. Fundamental goal. From 60 ‘Di Lorenzo: 6. Gattuso uses it high as a hinge and a lateral web to block enemy raids. Fresh and perky, it is effective in both directions.
Lobotka: 6. The coach asks him to push to shorten on Petagna and to fold back to give outlets and density. It runs a lot, but without a compass. It’s not his role and it shows: Gattuso often calls him back. From 60 ‘Mertens: 6. Get a lot of free kicks and chase your opponents as best he can. In truth it is little served by the companions in the central streets.
Badge: 6.5. Had he scored after a slalom at the Tomb in downhill with tunnel to the defender, we would have seen the goal on TV in loop. At 21 ‘he feels the muscle pulling in the first few meters of a break and stops: damn! Come in Lozano: 6,5. He does a commendable dirty job proving he has mastered Insigne’s hairpin movements. In the final seconds it is produced in a shot under pressure on a defender who is the emblem of the new Neapolitan course of the Mexican. For Real Sociedad El Chucky it is a constant buzz.
Petagna: 6. A watchtower in perpetual motion: it gives support in defense and maneuvering by showing off finisher shots. He is the one serving Mario Rui in the area. He has few scoring chances, but overall he is precious because he attracts so many opponents. From 60 ‘Osimhen: 5.5. Insufficient only for expulsion which, to tell the truth, is perhaps exaggerated. First yellow for protests after a foul (he was probably right, his pressing seemed regular) and then he raises his elbow too much in a contested area. There will be no against Rijeka. Before the crime, the movements were the right ones.
Gattuso: 7. An immediate shock was needed after the unexpected defeat against AZ Alkmaar. And there was. Napoli careful and orderly in defense, dangerous in attack. With Insigne’s exit due to injury, the team struggled to find depth. Then he found new references and began to push as a great team, concrete and crazy. Real Sociedad is first in the Spanish Liga, and has shown that it is no coincidence.
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