Napoli vs Atalanta 2-0: Kvaratskhelia Strikes in Confident Win

Napoli returned to winning ways on Saturday evening as they put two goals past Atalanta, with Kvicha Kvaratskhelia starring in Serie A action. Amir Rrahmani scored the second of the evening at the Diego Maradona Stadium to secure a comfortable three points and put the Partenopei 18 points clear at the top of the table. 

Napoli Threaten Out Wide

Matteo Politano tested the goal of Juan Musso in the opening stages with a low shot but the ‘keeper was able to get down to his left and make the stop. The hosts were on the front foot through the first quarter of the game but failed to create many meaningful opportunities.

However, they would continue to push and probe for a goal and would look to Kvicha Kvaratskhelia as an outlet. A mazy run by the Georgian would see the Partenopei go close but Musso made a strong save to keep the scores level. 

Victor Osimhen also tried to make an impact in the channels and towards the flanks, getting in behind the Atalanta defense at points throughout the first half. Politano would force Musso into yet another save before the break but Napoli failed to find a way through. 

Kvaratskhelia Stunner 

Osimhen attempted an acrobatic shot on goal shortly after the restart, connecting well with Politano’s cross and showing excellent athleticism. Nonetheless, the Nigerian could still not manage to get past Musso, as he found the centre of the goal. 

The Napoli centre-forward continued to threaten into the second half as the hosts piled on the pressure. He almost found the opener with a header but it just whistled past the post. However, it was that man Kvaratskhelia who would strike once more for the hosts. 

Osimhen managed to find Kvara on the break before the winger got the better of defender Rafael Toloi, twisting and turning before lashing the ball into the roof of the net. The Diego Maradona burst into life once ‘Kvaradona’ struck, as their dream of their first Scudetto since 1990 continued, and seemingly edged another step closer. 

Partenopei Wrap Up Three Points

The visitors struggled to create all evening but managed to get an attempt on target through a Duvan Zapata header but it was a fairly comfortable save for Pierluigi Gollini. With just over ten minutes to go, Rrahmani doubled Napoli’s lead with a superb header following a corner from Eljif Elmas. Musso could have done better to keep it out, nevertheless. 

Gollini was called into action once more after some fine play by Zapata led to a decent strike by the marauding Matteo Ruggeri down the left flank. However, Atalanta failed to find a way through, as Napoli’s dominance atop the Serie A standings continues. 

MATCH SCORECARD

March 11, 2023 – Serie A 2022-23 Round 26
NAPOLI – ATALANTA 2-0

SCORERS: 60′ Kvaratskhelia, 77′ Rrahmani (N)