At the San Paolo Stadium in Naples – which is soon to become the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium – Napoli welcomed Roma in a new edition of the famous Derby del Sole (“Derby of the Sun”). Gennaro Gattuso’s men were able to honor their late hero with a sublime display, thrashing the visitors 4-0, with goals from Insigne, Fabian Ruiz, Mertens and Politano. So here are our player ratings for the encounter between Napoli and Roma.
Napoli XI
Alex Meret – 6.5
The young shot-stopper enjoyed a calm evening and was never troubled by the Romans.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 7
The former Empoli right-back was solid if not spectacular for most of the match, but made up for his lack of attacking contribution with a great run that led to the Partenopei’s third goal.
Kostas Manolas – 7.5
The Greek was a titan in defense this evening. Won his battle against his former teammate Dzeko with ease.
Kalidou Koulibaly – 7
The Senegalese defender also enjoyed a great performance at the back, shutting down all opposition attacks.
Mario Rui – 7.5
The much-maligned full-back had one of his best performances in recent memory. Made some vital interceptions at the back, won countless balls for his team, and started the attack that led to the second goal with a cheeky flick.
Diego Demme – 7
The German made sure that Tiémoué Bakayoko wasn’t dearly missed. He may lack the Frenchman’s physical presence, but Demme always made himself available for his teammates with his smart movement while also protecting the defense.
Fabian Ruiz – 7.5
The Spanish international had more freedom to roam forward tonight – perhaps thanks to the presence of Zieliński who would cover for him – and took advantage of it with a well-placed shot for the second goal of the night.
Hirving Lozano – 6.5
The Mexican was a menace for the Roma defenders with his fast pace and dangerous shots, but his Napoli teammates blamed him for failing to pass the ball on several occasions.
Piotr Zieliński – 6.5
The Polish attacking-midfielder brought some much-needed balance to Gattuso’s midfield, as he smartly linked up the lines.
Lorenzo Insigne – 8
The Napoli captain paid his tribute to the late Maradona with a wonderfully taken free-kick in the first-half, before ending any hope left for the hapless Roma with an assist for the second goal.
Dries Mertens – 7.5
The small-sized Belgium international was once again deployed as the false number nine, and caused all kinds of trouble for the Roma defenders, before scoring the third goal for Napoli with an easy rebound.
Napoli Substitutes
Matteo Politano – 7
The former Inter winger decided to make his own Maradona tribute by dribbling between four Roman defenders before rounding Mirante and finishing off a stunning fourth goal.
Elif Elmas – 6.5
The young midfielder contributed for his side’s goal-fest, as his shot led to Mertens’ goal.
Andrea Petagna – N/A
Stanislav Lobotka – N/A
Roma XI
Antonio Mirante – 4.5
An awful night for the veteran goalkeeper. While his failure to deny the first two goals could be justified, his blunder on Elmas’ weak shot allowed Mertens to easily score the third of the night.
Gianluca Mancini – 6
The Italian International was arguably the best of the Roma defensive bunch for as long as he lasted on the pitch, denying Lozano on multiple occasions, but was taken off injured before half-time.
Bryan Cristante – 6
The former Milan and Benfica man is still learning his way in his new central defender role, buy he looked more solid than some of the other Giallorossi defenders.
Roger Ibañez – 5
The former Atalanta defender conceded the free-kick which led to Insigne’s opener, and failed to stop Politano on the fourth goal
Rick Karsdorp – 5.5
The Dutch wing-back failed to support the Roma attacks inside the Napoli areas and was mostly pegged back by Mario Rui.
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 5.5
The young Italy international worked hard in the middle of the pitch but lacked his usual technical touch. Perhaps outnumbered by the Napoli midfielders.
Jordan Veretout – 5.5
Another Giallorosso who got injured during the first half. The Roma man worked hard during the first half, but was second best to the Napoli midfielders.
Leonardo Spinazzola – 5
The former Juventus man is enjoying a great season at Roma, but this just wasn’t his night, as he was beaten by Lozano on many occasions, and his usual dangerous runs were easily dealt with by the Napoli players.
Pedro Rodriguez – 5.5
The Spanish veteran had the first chance of the night, but was almost invisible as the match progressed.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 5
The former Manchester United player is currently the man of the hour at Roma – especially after his heroics last week – but failed to create a single goal scoring chance for his side tonight.
Edin Džeko – 5
The Roma captain was completely denied and exiled by the brilliant Napoli defenders. Not the triumphant comeback that he was hoping for after his absence due to Covid-19.
Roma Substitutes
Juan Jesus – 5
The veteran defender failed to intercept Fabian’s shot on Napoli’s second goal, and was one of the Roman players embarrassed by Politano on the fourth goal.
Gonzalo Villar – 5
The Spanish midfielder was introduced after the break, but failed to add anything for Roma, as Napoli completely dominated the encounter.
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