Walter Mazzari’s second reign at Napoli started in an away fixture against Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. The first half wasn’t the most thrilling, but the visitors managed to put the ball in the net twice. But while Amir Rrahmani’s header was disallowed, Khvicha Kvaratsekhlia’s goal stood. After the break, Ademola Lookman grabbed the equalizer with a fine header. However, a blunder from Marco Carnesecchi allowed Eljif Elmas to score the winner for the Partenopei. So here are our player ratings for Napoli who marked their manager’s return with a 2-1 win over Atalanta.
Napoli (4-3-3)
Pierluigi Gollini – 6.5
The former Verona goalkeeper did well to deny Teun Koopmeiners’ header in the first half, but could do little about Lookman’s equalizer.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6.5
The Napoli captain provided the assist for Kvaratskhelia’s opener with a sublime cross from the right. He also had vital contributions at the back despite a few scares late in the match.
Amir Rrahmani – 5.5
The Kosovan defender should have done better in the air against the shorter Lookman. He thought he had scored the opener in the first half but it was disallowed for a marginal offside position.
Natan – 6
A solid showing at the back from the Napoli defender who made several important interventions, although Charles De Ketelaere caused him some trouble at times.
Mathias Olivera – 6
It was a positive start for the Uruguayan who was making vertical and diagonal runs, but unfortunately, he was stretched off before halftime after sustaining what appeared to be a serious injury following an awkward fall. He might be set for some significant time on the sidelines.
André-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 5.5
The Cameroonian returned late from international and it showed in his uninspiring and far from energetic display.
Stanislav Lobotka – 6
The former Celta Vigo star kept the ball ticking in the middle of the park but had Koopmeiners tracking him like his shadow which may have limited his ability to affect the play.
Piotr Zielinski – 5.5
The former Udinese man was less impactful than usual. Should have killed the match when he found himself one-on-one with Carenescchi but opted for a weak chip.
Matteo Politano – 5
The Italy international endured one of his most disappointing outings. Struggled against Kolasinac, Bakker and Ruggeri and was never able to cause a threat to Atalanta.
Giacomo Raspadori – 6
It was a tough hour for the former Sassuolo man against three physically superior Atalanta defenders. Nevertheless, he still threatened with his exquisite crossing, providing the assist for Rrahmani’s disallowed goal.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 7
Although the Georgian winger is mostly renowned for his tricks and flick, he proved that his arsenal also includes clinical headers as he headed the opener past Carnesecchi. He also caused havoc on the left flank with his dangerous runs.
Substitutes
Juan Jesus – 6
The Brazilian had to play as an emergency left-back following Olivera’s injury. While he didn’t embarrass himself, perhaps he gave Hans Hateboer too much space to deliver the cross on Lookman’s goal.
Victor Osimhen – 6.5
The Nigerian marked his return to the pitch by latching onto a loose ball to set up the assist for Elmas’ winner.
Eljif Elmas – 7
The North Macedonian consolidated his status as the ultimate Napoli super-sub. Kept his composure to score the winner with a clinical finish.
Jens Cajuste – 6
The Swedish midfielder blocked Carnesecchi’s poor ball which directly led to the Napoli winner.
Leo Ostigard – N/A
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