Following their defeat at the hands of Inter on Wednesday, league leaders Napoli were hellbent on regaining their momentum as they travelled to Liguria for a meeting against Sampdoria. Despite wasting an early spot kick, the visitors did score through their talisman Victor Osimhen. Things got further complicated for the Blucerchiati when Tomas Rincon received his marching orders before halftime, and in the end, the southerners sealed the win thanks to Eljf Elmas who made no mistake from the spot. So here are our player ratings for Napoli who managed to restore their momentum with a comfortable win over Sampdoria.
Napoli (4-3-3)
Alex Meret – 6.5
The Italy international made a powerful save to maintain the deadlock early on, but his role diminished as his teammates dominated the play following Rincon’s dismissal.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6.5
The right-back had a nervy moment early on when dispossessed in a dangerous area, but displayed his defensive solidity throughout the rest of the match.
Kim Min-jae – 6
The Korean was embroiled in a physical battle with Sam Lammers and came out on top. Left the pitch at the interval, potentially with a knock.
Juan Jesus – 6
The former Inter and Roma man was calm and collected at the back in what was a rather easy test.
Mario Rui – 7
A fine performance from the underrated fullback who perfectly timed his cross to put Osimhen through on goal. His contribution was helpful on both ends of the pitch.
André-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 6.5
The Cameroonian had the better of Rincon in the big battle for the middle of the park before the latter’s dismissal. Luciano Spalletti opted to rest him in the second half to keep him fresh for Friday’s big clash against Juventus.
Stanislav Lobotka – 6
Compared to his brilliant performances from earlier this season, this wasn’t the Slovakian’s best outing by any means. Had some difficulties early on against Valerio Verre, but it all went smoother after gaining the numerical advantage.
Eljif Elmas – 6.5
The Macedonian enjoyed a rare start as a box-to-box midfielder. In truth, he’ll have to display more if we wishes to usurp Zielinski, but his spot-kick prowess can’t be denied.
Matteo Politano – 5.5
The Italian winger saw his penalty kick denied by Emil Audero, and his evening never took off afterwards.
Victor Osimhen – 7.5
Another superb display from the Nigerian who might be the deadliest Serie A striker in front of goal. Dropped deep to initiate the play that led to the Partenopei’s first goal before storming into the box and beating his marker to the ball. Left Bram Nuytinck for dead, forcing Rincon to sign his own death sentence. His influence dropped afterwards, but the damage had already been done.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 6
Not a bad display from the young Georgian, but remains a far cry from his extraordinary outings showcased before his injury.
Substitutes
Amir Rrahmani – 6
The Kosovan replaced Kim at halftime due to a presumed injury, and was able to sit back and enjoy a quiet evening at the office.
Hirving Lozano – 5.5
The Mexican replaced Politano but didn’t truly set the right flank on fire as he usually does.
Piotr Zielinski – 6
The former Udinese man added some flow to the middle of the park following his introduction, although he couldn’t direct his shot goalward.
Tanguy Ndombelé – 6.5
A decent outing from the Frenchman who pulled the strings in the middle of the park for Napoli and made some exciting runs.
Giacomo Raspadori – N/A
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