Just three days prior to the crucial second-leg encounter against Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals, Napoli hosted Verona at the Maradona Stadium. Luciano Spalletti opted to rest several key players, but those who took their spots on the pitch fell short of the mark. Despite an 80% ball possession, the Partenopei failed to create chances, with the solitary dangerous opportunity being Victor Osimhen’s rocket which crashed against the crossbar. So here are our player ratings for Napoli who had to settle for a goalless draw against Verona.
Napoli (4-3-3)
Alex Meret – 6
The former Udinese man was a mere spectator between the posts. He only had to make one or two easy saves throughout the evening.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6.5
The Napoli captain led by example as always, trotting up and down the right flank in the hopes of inspiring some goal-scoring opportunities. Threatened to score on a couple of occasions.
Kim Min-jae – 6.5
The South Korean retrieved the ball with ease and drove the ball forward, but found mild success in his attacking ventures.
Juan Jesus – 6
The former Inter defender had some nervy moments on the ball, but did well in general in his duel against Kevin Lasagna.
Mathias Olivera – 6
The Uruguayan joined the attacks on a recurring basis, but his delivery wasn’t always on cue.
André-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 6.5
The Cameroonian was hellbent on making amends following his red card against Milan. He played an instrumental part in his team’s dominant display in the middle of the park, but his attacking teammates didn’t reward him for his efforts.
Diego Demme – 6
The German benchwarmer got a rare starting berth, but while he managed to assert his authority in midfield, he lacked Lobotka’s creative touch.
Eljif Elmas – 5
The versatile North Macedonian played as a box-to-box midfielder, which should arguably be his favorite role. However, he added very little to his team’s attacks.
Matteo Politano – 6
The Italian was the more active winger compared to Lozano, creating some dangerous chances with his runs and crosses. But his efforts just didn’t culminate in a goal.
Giacomo Raspadori – 5
The former Sassuolo man is struggling to interpret the centre-forward role. His Napoli teammates tried to pick him up with some direct passing, but the Verona defenders always reached the ball first. Isak Hien had him in his pocket.
Hirving Lozano – 5
A listless outing from the Mexican who started on the left flank but never truly made a noticeable contribution. He was hauled off after 65 mins to make room for Kvaratskhelia.
Substitutes
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 6
The Georgian revived the left flank following his introduction. Added some lovely dribbling to the equation, but just lacked the final touch.
Piotr Zielinski – 6
A positive cameo from the Pole who linked up well with Osimhen in the final third.
Stanislav Lobotka – 6
The Slovakian’s absence was noticed during the first 70 minutes. Napoli improved following his introduction, but he just didn’t have enough time to change the final verdict.
Victor Osimhen – 6.5
The Nigerian made his return from injury much to the delight of the Maradona crowds, and almost marked the occasion with a spectacular goal, but his vicious shot came crashing against the woodwork.
Karim Zedeka – N/A
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