Napoli vs Legia Warsaw 3-0: Substitutes Star in First Europa League Win

Napoli got their first win of the Europa League by beating Legia Warsaw 3-0 thanks to goals from captain Lorenzo Insigne, Victor Osimhen and Matteo Politano.

Luciano Spalletti’s side were determined to win today’s match and that was evident from kickoff. Napoli kept putting pressure on Legia’s defence but were unable to make the most of their opportunities. That is, until Spalletti brought on Osimhen and Politano.

The latter provided the assist for Insigne’s opening goal, which was a very good finish. Just minutes later, Osimhen doubled their lead, taking his season’s tally to nine in ten matches so far. Politano capped off a good performance by netting the Partenopei‘s third of the match.

It was a scintillating display from Napoli today and they well and truly deserved to take all three points.

? Starting XI: Meret, Di Lorenzo, Manolas, Koulibaly, Jesus, Anguissa, Demme, Elmas, Lozano, Mertens, Insigne.#NapoliLegia #UEL

? #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/flnkB2TGkn

— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) October 21, 2021

 

Napoli’s XI had only four players who started in the 1-0 win over Torino. Goalkeeper Alex Meret was playing in his first game in three weeks with David Ospina being given a break. Kostas Manolas was back in the lineup while Juan Jesus made his first start of the season.

With Piotr Zielinski out injured and Fabian Ruiz benched, Elif Elmas and Diego Demme partnered Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in midfield. Star-striker Osimhen was on the bench with the experienced Dries Mertens starting for the first time in 2021/22.

Legia manager Czeslaw Michniewicz made five changes from his team’s home defeat to Lech Poznan with teenage goalkeeper Cezary Miszta, who kept a clean sheet against Leicester City, starting ahead of Kacper Tobiasz, among others.

 

DO IT AGAIN! ? #NAPLEG #UEL pic.twitter.com/qXca93PBhB

— Legia Warsaw (@LegiaWarsawEN) October 21, 2021

Napoli made their intentions clear from the first kick of the ball as they persistently put pressure on the Legia defence. Hirving Lozano looked threatening and forced Miszta to make a couple of saves. Mertens also had a good scoring opportunity, with his shot going just wide.

Legia were a bit more attacking towards the end of the first half but were unable to find the net. 

 

⏱ 45 | Half time ⏸#NapoliLegia 0-0#UEL

? #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/z0jOUd2ezY

— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) October 21, 2021

 

Napoli’s tempo was unchanged in the second half and they looked to threaten the opposition defence. Demme took a shot from distance but it was wide. Miszta was kept busy by the Partenopei forwards but he kept foiling them. Both sides made a few changes with Osimhen and Ruiz coming on, among others

Legia had a glorious chance to open the scoring through Mahir Emreli but his shot clipped the post. To add salt to their wound, Napoli took the lead just moments later thanks to a fine right-footed shot from Insigne after receiving a precise ball from Politano.

Osimhen looked to have scored his team’s second goal but it was ruled out for offside. However, the Nigerian did find the net shortly after, scoring his fourth of the Europa League. Politano had a chance to make it 3-0 but his shot was wide.

As injury time kicked in, Spalletti’s side continued to look for a third goal and got it courtesy of Poitano’s left foot. 

With the win, Napoli move up to second in their group with four points, two behind Legia. Next up for the Partenopei is a trip to Rome as they take on a tough Roma side on Sunday.

 

MATCH SCORECARD

October 21, 2021 – Europa League 2021-2022 Group C
NAPOLI – LEGIA WARSAW 3-0

SCORERS: 76′ Insigne, 80′ Osimhen, 95′ Politano

REFEREE: Del Cerro Grande (Spain)
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Manolas, Juan Jesus (N), Johansson (L); Added Time: 1st Half 0′, 2nd Half: 5′