Last time these sides met in the reverse fixture at the beginning of the season Lazio claimed three points over the reigning champions. Since then there’s been a change on the bench for Napoli. Walter Mazzari has replaced Rudi Garcia and he came up against Maurizio Sarri tonight, who he’s never beaten before. It stayed like that tonight with a hard fought 0-0 draw that lacked action in the attacking third for either team.
Both sides were missing attacking players, the visitors were without Victor Osimhen, Giovanni Simeone and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia. On the other hand the Biancocelesti lost Mattia Zaccagni and talisman Ciro Immobile to suspension.
This absence of attacking players really showed throughout the game. Napoli couldn’t muster a shot on target all game despite so much possesion during the first half. Ivan Provedel was a spectator for the majority of the evening. The only notable moment of the first half was a shot blazed over from Gustav Isaksen for the home team. Both managers would’ve been disappointed with how their players performed at the halfway stage. Sideways passing the order of the day.
Immediately after the break Taty Castellanos had the ball in the back of the net after taking the ball nicely on his chest and putting away a stunning overhead kick. The celebration was called to an abrupt halt when the flag was raised. Disappointingly for any neutrals watching there were hardly anymore chances until a final burst from Lazio, urged forward by their supporters. Matteo Guendouzi filtered a pass through to Isaksen and he really should’ve taken the shot on himself instead of passing to Castellanos who tried to pull off a fancy finish.
A draw does little to help either team’s top four aspirations. Lazio remain two points off Atalanta in fourth spot with the fifth placed Fiorentina taking on Inter later on. Napoli sit in ninth on 32 points.
Napoli Player Ratings vs Lazio: Uninspired Partenopei Earn Away Point
A busy period begins for both teams now with Champions league knockout ties on the horizon. Napoli take on Hellas Verona next week as Lazio face direct rivals Atalanta. Hopefully for both sets of supporters they’ll be treated to some goals after a hard fought draw.
Here are our Lazio Player Ratings:
Lazio (4-3-3)
Ivan Provedel – 6.5
Didn’t come under much pressure at all and controlled his box well.
Adam Marusic – 5
Careful today defensively as he had to deal with Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Declined to take part in attacking moves. Didn’t stand out at all.
Alessio Romagnoli – 6.5
Carried out the standard interventions he had to and made sure Napoli’s attack were always aware of his presence. Led the line with certainty.
Mario Gila – 6
Got the job done and dealt with anything that came his way, which wasn’t much in truth.
Manuel Lazzari – 6
Made lots of Overlapping runs but they weren’t all used. When he got the ball under control he was precise and effective. Taken off with 20 minutes to play. Napoli kept him under close watch.
Matteo Guendouzi – 6.5
The Frenchman put in a good shift in midfield to keep things ticking over and make life difficult for the Partenopei. A great Filtered ball to Isaksen towards the end could’ve created a match winning chance.
Danilo Cataldi – 5.5
The captain was very cautious on the ball. Decent shot with his left whizzed past the post. Booked and will miss the game with Atalanta. Contained the midfield.
Luis Alberto – 6.5
Alberto seemed frustrated during the first half as he found it hard to break through the lines. He still produced some lovely passes to start counter-attacks. Not sparkling but solid.
Felipe Anderson – 6
Linked up lots of build up play across the front three. Tuned in and alert to play for the whole 90 minutes. Very lively during the final minutes. Only lacked final steps.
Taty Castellanos – 5
The Argentine striker was isolated at times during the first period as Lazio struggled to come forward. Still tried to make himself a nuisance in the box. Unfortunately just offside for his overhead kick that would’ve sent the Olimpico into delirium. He was given chances to finish that would’ve decided the game but couldn’t convert them.
Gustav Isaksen – 7
Lazio’s most energetic attacking player had a shot over the bar and could take high balls down with ease to start moves. Exploited spaces across the pitch. Should have taken on the shot himself from Guendouzi’s pass. An exciting performance.
Substitutes:
Luca Pellegrini – 6
Entered the match with energy and spirit to drive his side forward. A positive force in an impressive cameo.
Matias Vecino – 5
Just kept things going in the center of the park for the final 15 minutes. Produced two headers on goal to show the danger he is in the box.