Napoli’s title defense received another early blow as they had to settle for a solitary point at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. The visitors pushed an opening from the get-go, but Victor Osimhen was denied by the post. The Nigerian then had a golden opportunity to snatch the winner, but placed his spot kick outside of the post. So here are our player ratings for Napoli who shared the spoils with their hosts Bologna following a rather cagey stalemate.
Napoli (4-3-3)
Alex Meret – 6
The Italian international was a bystander for most of the match, but still had to produce a solid stop to parry away Joshua Zirkzee’s angled shot.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6
The Napoli captain is often one of the most reliable players at the club and he didn’t disappoint tonight. Kept Jesper Karlsson at bay, but his attacking ventures were rather limited compared to his high standards.
Leo Ostigard – 6
The former Brighton man was one half of a makeshift attacking duo. But did mostly well against Zirkzee, Lewis Ferguson and company.
Natan – 6
Not a terrible first Serie A start from the new Napoli signing. The Brazilian kept his composure at the back, while his distribution was hit-and-miss.
Mathias Olivera – 5.5
The Uruguayan darted up and down the flank but offered little support for Kvaratskhelia in the attacking phase. Rudi Garcia withdrew him at halftime partially due to an early booking.
André-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 6
The Cameroonian made his presence felt all over the pitch. But he still hasn’t reached his heights from last season.
Stanislav Lobotka – 5.5
The former Celta Vigo midfielder controlled the pace early on but just couldn’t prompt a quicker rhythm, as Bologna were well-positioned at the back.
Piotr Zielinski – 5.5
The former Udinese star instigated the play that led to the spot kick, but that was arguably the highlight of an otherwise underwhelming outing.
Giacomo Raspadori – 6
The former Sassuolo man played in an unusual position on the right flank. Started his evening on a positive note, picking up Osimhen with a delicate through ball and then coming close with a shot himself. But his impact waned as the match progressed.
Victor Osimhen – 5.5
The Nigerian was unfazed when his early strike hit the post. But as the minutes rolled on, he became increasingly frustrated. Failed to hit the net from the spot and then angrily left the pitch while heavily protesting his substitution.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 6
Another mild outing from the Georgian who’s struggling to replicate last season’s form. Nevertheless, his run won the Napoli penalty that Osimhen wasted. He also tested Skorupski with a decent shot.
Substitutes
Mario Rui – 5.5
The veteran entered after the interval but was hardly an upgrade on Olivera. Offered little when going forward.
Matteo Politano – 5
A forgettable cameo from the former Inter man who produced next to nothing. Also wasted a freekick from a promising position.
Eljif Elmas – 6
The birthday boy had a decent impact and won a close-range freekick. But didn’t have sufficient time on the pitch to forge more for Napoli
Giovanni Simeone – N/A
Jens Cajuste – N/A
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