Napoli got off to a good start towards their title defense as they beat Serie A new boys Frosinone 3-1 at Stadio Benito Stirpe on Saturday. Victor Osimhen got two as he led a come-from-behind victory for last season’s Scudetto winners.
The hosts went ahead from a Abdou Harroui penalty after just seven minutes of play in a shock start to the new Serie A campaign. However, parity was restored soon after when Matteo Politano made it 1-1 midway through the first half. It was then last season’s Serie A top goalscorer who continued in similar fashion as Osimhen scored twice to put Napoli 3-1 ahead. You can find our Napoli player ratings here.
Harroui Converts Penalty in Dream Start for Frosinone
There was a controversial opening to the match as hosts and last term’s Serie B champions Frosinone were awarded a spot kick after a reckless swing of the boot by Napoli new signing Jens Cajuste. Harroui made no mistake from the penalty spot, sending goalkeeper Alex Meret the wrong way. It was a fantastic opening to life back in the Italian top flight for Giallazzurri but a nightmare beginning for new Partenopei head coach Rudi Garcia.
However, the visitors managed to draw the scores level midway through the first half as Politano found the champions’ first goal of the new season. Napoli started to apply more pressure on Frosinone as they sought a way into the match but that was their first real chance that threatened the goal of Stefano Turati. Perhaps the ‘keeper could have done better to keep out Politano’s effort.
Napoli Take the Lead Inside the First Half
It looked as though it wouldn’t take too long for Napoli to get in front and overturn their early deficit. The Partenopei looked dangerous from crosses, trying to utilize the physical frame of Osimhen. Giacomo Raspadori would eventually fire the ball home after a few richotes, following a cross form the right. However, the goal would be disallowed for offside.
Nevertheless, Napoli would eventually take the lead a few minutes before the break. Giovanni Di Lorenzo would once again capitalize on a marauding run down the right. He found Osimhen inside the box who made no mistake with the finish, powering the ball in off the bar to make it 2-1.
Osimhen Secures Three Points for Partenopei
Jaime Baez was the hosts’ most creative and dangerous player throughout here. He came close to making it 2-2 after the break as his venomous free kick was denied by the woodwork. Osimhen almost found his second of the day soon after when he was played in by Piotr Zielinski with a tidy pass but he couldn’t hit the target.
The visitors would eventually find their third of the match to establish a two-goal cushion. Di Lorenzo, who was influential all night, was able to find Osimhen with a lovely through ball. The Nigerian made no mistake with the finish, showing great composure to slot the ball past Turati.
A solid start for Napoli as they look to try and retain the Serie A title. It was a fairly encouraging display by Frosinone who were not expected to take anything in a difficult season opener.