In the absence of their main talisman Victor Osimhen, Napoli traveled north to take on Verona at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium. After an hour of play, Giacomo Raspadori’s cross found Matteo Politano at the back post resulting in the opener. A vintage run from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead just before halftime. After the break, the Georgian completed his personal brace from a swift counter-attack. At the hour mark, Darko Lazovic tried to spark a Gialloblu revolt by grabbing one back for the home side, but the result remained unchanged. So here are our player ratings for Napoli who returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Verona.
Napoli (4-3-3)
Alex Meret – 7
A solid outing between the posts from the Italy international who pulled off a string of saves, including a stunning reflex to deny Federico Bonazzoli. Was left hapless against Lazovic’s consolation goal.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6
The Napoli captain was unfortunate to see the ball hit his body which allowed Lazovic to score, but he wasn’t the main culprit on this occasion. Transitioned to left-back following Zanoli’s introduction.
Amir Rrahmani – 5.5
The Kosovan made his return from injury against his former club, but looked shaky at the back on a couple of instances. He missed the aerial ball which cost his side a goal.
Natan – 6.5
The Brazilian relished the physical challenge first against the gigantic Milan Djuric and then the equally imposing Thomas Henry. Held his own and kept his opponents at bay.
Mario Rui – 6
A solid if unspectacular outing from the Portuguese veteran. Didn’t surge forward on too many occasions but kept his composure at the back and nullified the threat of Cyril Ngonge.
Jens Cajuste – 6.5
An improved display from the summer signing as he replaced the injured Zambo Anguissa. Ran all over the pitch, but squandered two promising scoring opportunities.
Stanislav Lobotka – 7
The former Celta Vigo man is the lynchpin that holds it all together. His elusive vision allows him to steal the ball and instantly pick up a teammate up front.
Piotr Zielinski – 6
Following an anonymous first half, the Pole made himself noticed in the second period. Picked up Cajuste and Simeone with exquisite balls.
Matteo Politano – 7.5
An afternoon to remember for the winger who was involved in all three Napoli goals. Kept his composure to score the opener with a volley. He then served Kvaratskhelia with a couple of assists, including a fabulous long ball.
Giacomo Raspadori – 6.5
A positive 65 minutes from the former Sassuolo man who provided the assist for the opener with a nice cross after some neat footwork inside the box. Tested Lorenzo Montipo with a couple of dangerous freekicks.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 8
The Georgian was in MVP form, making up for the absence of Osimhen by netting a personal brace. Rounded his markers before beating the keeper on the first occasion. He then pounced on a counter-attack to leave defenders in his wake and slot it past Montipo.
Substitutes
Alessandro Zanoli – 6
A decent cameo from the Napoli right-back, though he was coy on the offensive phase.
Giovanni Simeone – 5.5
The Argentine’s finishing appeared rusty as he couldn’t find the back of the net on two occasions.
Jesper Lindstrom – N/A
Alessio Zerbin – N/A
Gianluca Gaetano – N/A
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