Napoli had a wonderful outing at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona as they thrashed Salernitana 4-1.
Luciano Spalletti’s side opened the scoring after 19 minutes thanks to defender Juan Jesus. Salernitana equalized through their only attack of the match courtesy of Federico Bonazzoli, who found the net from Wajdi Kechrida’s pass. Napoli restored their lead just before the half-time whistle thanks to Dries Mertens’ penalty.
The Partenopei extended their lead early in the second half courtesy of goals from Amir Rrahmani and Lorenzo Insigne.
Napoli are now second in the Serie A table, above Milan who have a game in hand.
Starting XIs: Napoli Unchanged, Salernitana Make Three Changes
Spalletti fielded the same XI that won 2-0 in Bologna while Salernitana made three changes frm their defeat to Lazio. Luka Bogdan started in place of Andrei Motoc while Riccardo Gagliolo replaced the suspended Luca Ranieri. Edoardo Vergani made his first league start of the season in place of Cedric Gondo.
Juan Jesus and Mertens Score as Napoli Lead 2-1
Napoli were on the attack from the very first minute and troubled the Salernitana defense. Fabian Ruiz took a shot on goal from distance but it was saved well by Vid Belec. However, the Partenopei eventually opened the scoring in the 17th minute from the unlikeliest of sources in Juan Jesus. This was the Brazilian’s very first goal for Napoli.
The hosts had a golden opportunity to double their lead after Mario Rui sent a delivery across the face of the Salernitana goal. However, neither Elif Elmas nor Hirving Lozano could get a touch.
Salernitana managed to find their equalizer through a move that always warranted a goal. Joel Obi set up Kechrida with a backheel and the latter’s pass found Bonazzoli who scored past Napoli keeper Alex Meret. However, they were forced to make a change minutes later as Andrea Schiavone suffered an injury. He was replaced by Pawel Jaroszynski.
Napoli won a penalty just before the interval after Elmas was fouled by Frederic Veseli. Up stepped Mertens and he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore the lead for the Partenopei. This was the Belgian’s ninth goal this season.
Rrahmani Extends Napoli’s Lead
Napoli made one change at the interval with Insigne coming on for Hirving Lozano. The Partenopei started the second half brilliantly with Rrahmani scoring their third goal after heading in from Mertens’ cross. Just minutes later, Napoli were awarded another penalty following a handball from Veseli that saw him being sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Insigne took the spot-kick and found the net to put his side 4-1 up. The hosts continued to trouble Salernitana’s defense and took several attempts on goal but were unable to cash in on them.
What Next for Napoli and Salernitana?
Napoli next travel to Venice for their fixture against Venezia while Salernitana face Spezia.
MATCH SCORECARD
January 23, 2021 – Serie A 2021-2022 Matchday 23
NAPOLI – SALERNITANA 4-1
SCORERS: 17′ Juan Jesus (N), 33′ Bonazzoli (S), 45’+4′ Mertens (N), 47′ Rrahmani (N), 53 Insigne (N)
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NAPOLI (4-2-3-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo (76′ Zanoli), Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Mario Rui (76′ Ghoulam); Fabian Ruiz (64′ Politano), Lobotka; Lozano (46′ Insigne), Zielinski, Elmas; Mertens (64′ Osimhen) (Marfella, Ospina, Malcuit, Tuanzebe, Demme, Petagna) Coach: Spalletti |
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SALERNITANA (4-5-1): Belec; Delli Carri, Gagliolo, Bogdan, Veseli; Kechrida, Di Tacchio, Schiavone (36′ Jaroszynski), Obi; Bonazzoli (79′ Simy), Vergani (62′ Russo) (Russo, Guerrieri, Cannavale, Motoc, Perrone, Iervolino, Guida Coach: Colantuono |
REFEREE: Mr. Pairetto from Nichelino
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Veseli (S), Veseli (S), Delli Carri (S), Obi (S) ; Added Time: 1st Half 4′, 2nd Half 0′