At the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Napoli hosted Udinese while looking to extend their lead on top of the table before the lengthy winter break. The Partenopei wasted no time, taking the lead through Victor Osimhen after 15 minutes. Piotr Zielinski doubled the lead at half-hour mark. Eljif Elmas added a third after the break, but the Zebrette fell just short of completing a stunning comeback, pulling back two goals late in the match. So here are our player ratings for Napoli who registered their 11th league win in a row after toppling Udinese in a 3-2 result.
Napoli (4-3-3)
Alex Meret – 6.5
The Italy international wasn’t the culprit on either goal. Instead, he made a great reflex save to deny Gerard Deulofeu early in the match. He was always alert and left his goal to make timely clearances.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6.5
The captain was arguably the pick of the bunch at the back, even if it wasn’t his most thrilling outing. Imposed his authority on the right lane and allowed nothing from his flank.
Kim Min-jae – 5.5
The Korean started the match on a positive note, but couldn’t block Ilija Nestorovski’s goal and was easily dispossessed before Udinese’s second.
Juan Jesus – 6
It was a bad display from the former Inter and Roma defender, but Luciano Spalletti opted to take him off since he was on a yellow card.
Mathias Olivera – 6
The Uruguayan played a hand on the opening goal, but it was a generally quiet outing. Left his place for Mario Rui after halftime.
André-Franck Zambo Anguissa – 7
A vibrant outing from the Cameroon international who bossed the middle of the park. Had the upper hand in his personal duel against Wallace and provided the assist for Elmas’ goal.
Stanislav Lobotka – 7
The former Celta Vigo man dictated the tempo as usual while sitting deep and allowing his teammates to push forward. Initiated the play that led to Napoli’s third goal, and was willing to do the dirty work in the middle.
Piotr Zielinski – 7
The former Udinese midfielder punished his former club with a lovely strike that made it 2-0 for Napoli. Aside from his goal, he was slightly less dynamic than usual.
Hirving Lozano – 7
The Mexican continues his positive run with another exciting display. Caused havoc for Roberto Pereyra on the right wing and provided the assist for Zielinski.
Victor Osimhen – 8
The Nigerian has been on a tear since returning from injury. Nodded home the opener before holding off two defenders to initiate the second goal for Napoli with a splendid backheel. The most menacing striker in Serie A at the moment.
Eljif Elmas – 8
The Macedonian has been thriving in the absence of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Provided the assist for Osimhen’s opener with a sublime cross and added the third goal himself after a fabulous dribble.
Napoli Substitutes
Mario Rui – 6
The Portuguese replaced Olivera right after the interval. He helped Napoli in launching counter attacks, but perhaps could have done better to close in on Nestorovski who scored Udinese’s first goal.
Matteo Politano – 5.5
The former Inter man displayed some flashes of talent, but his cameo lacked a marquee moment.
Leo Ostigard – 6
Although the Azzurri conceded twice following his introduction, the Norwegian looked decent at the back after replacing Juan Jesus.
Tanguy Ndombele – 6
The former Lyon man combined well with his teammates and almost lent a hand in additional Napoli goals.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |