On Wednesday night, Napoli were hellbent on avenging themselves against Milan as they took on Stefano Pioli’s men in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final. But despite having the lion’s share of scoring opportunities and ball possession, Ismael Bennacer’s strike stunned the Partenopei who were left to rue their chances. Things could have gotten worse for Luciano Spalletti’s men when Zambo Anguissa received a second yellow card, but they managed to avoid additional goals. So here are player ratings for Napoli who will have to overturn the result next week at home after losing the first-leg encounter against Milan in a 0-1 result.
Napoli (4-3-3)
Alex Meret – 5.5
The masked goalkeeper surely didn’t bask in glory in Milano. Although Bennacer’s shot had power behind it, he still got beaten at his near post. He was also left stranded on Kjaer’s header which crashed against the crossbar.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6.5
A brave display from the Napoli captain who wore his heart on his sleeve. Did well in his duel against Leao, but his strike was denied by a superb reaction save from Mike Maignan.
Amir Rrahmani – 6
A generally solid display from the Kosovan who kept Olivier Giroud at bay. But earned a late booking for lashing out at Alexis Saelemaekers who was trying to win a spot-kick.
Kim Min-jae – 6
Like his defensive partner, the former Fenerbahce man did well against Giroud, but got himself a needless yellow card for dissent which earned him a suspension in the reverse fixture.
Mario Rui – 6
A decent display from the Portuguese who tried to support the attack with his runs and crosses, although his attempts were mostly fruitless.
André-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 4
The Cameroonian worked hard in the middle of the park, but got himself sent off for two avoidable challenges on Theo Hernandez. He also wasted a promising chance by failing to hit the target, and lost a physical duel against Giroud in his own penalty box.
Stanislav Lobotka – 6
An improved display from the Napoli Regista following his horrific last performance against Milan, but it still wasn’t Vintage Lobotka.
Piotr Zielinski – 5.5
The former Udinese man wasn’t as influential as usual, and went missing for large instances.
Hirving Lozano – 5
The Mexican couldn’t find a way past Hernandez, so he failed to leave a significant mark on the encounter.
Eljif Elmas – 5
The North Macedonian is perhaps too versatile for his own good. He started as a false nine before switching to the right flank in the second half and finally to the left wing. Yet, he wasn’t truly impactful in any particular position.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 6
The Georgian remains his side’s most dangerous player in Victor Osimhen’s absence, but he should have done better in his first-minute chance which was cleared off the line by Rade Krunic. Had some flashes of brilliance later on, including sublime crosses and fabulous dribbling, but his team eventually fired blanks.
Check Out our Player Ratings for Milan
Substitutes
Giacomo Raspadori – 5
The Italian striker hardly saw the ball, as Napoli went a man down shortly following his introduction.
Mathias Olivera – 5.5
The Uruguayan almost found a late equalizer but his header went just over the woodwork.
Tanguy Ndombélé – 6
The former Tottenham man tried to make up for Zambo Aguissa’s absence in the final stretch, and at least helped his team prevent additional goals.
Matteo Politano – 6.5
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the little winger created more havoc in the final third during his limited cameo than several of his Napoli teammates who started the match.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |