It was a sad week for Neapolitans as Diego Maradona passed away. The Argentine will forever be remembered for his heroics at the San Paolo, which will now aptly be recognized by his name, San Paolo-Diego Armando Maradona.
His untimely death struck Serie A, and tributes were paid across all the fixtures. There were cheers as the clock struck ten minutes of playing time in homage to his jersey number with Napoli. Players and managers took it to heart, and in remembrance of the combative genius, goals that reminisced of Diego’s time on the pitch. Creativity on the ball and exuberance in finishing was the highlight from Round 9 action.
Napoli brought an end to Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s run of out worldly goals, with captain Lorenzo Insigne and Matteo Politano giving an excellent account of themselves. Roberto Gagliardini also got on the scoreboard with a terrific volley, while Alvaro Morata troubled the scorers with a fine attempt from a Federico Chiesa long pass. Meanwhile, Mattia Zaccagni, Gaetano Letizia, Tolgay Arslan, Ignacio Pussetto, and Fernando Forestieri scored goals that secured essential points for their respective teams.
It was a challenging task to choose the top five from a host of impressive strikes. The number of goals increased as players settled into domestic and European routines. The quality was there, and here is our top-five pick from match-day eight.
Ignacio Pussetto vs Lazio
The Zebras were too hot to handle, but Simone Inzaghi would not begrudge the defeat. Lazio were outplayed on the night. Tolgay Arslan drilled an excellent ball into the bottom right corner. Fernando Forestieri put the finishing touches to a move that he started. However, it was an excellent strike from Igancio Pussetto that deserves to outmuscle its peers and make our list. It was a perfect counter-attack with Rodrigo De Paul taking the ball on a long run before Pussetto showcased his dribbling talents.
Fabio Quagliarella vs Torino
In a very open game that was a delight for fans and neutrals alike, Andrea Belotti will rue not beating the offside trap by inches. The Italy international did get on the scoreboard, and his sliding goal is worthy of a mention. However, it was Fabio Quagliarella who lit up Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. Antonio Candreva sent an optimistic ball forward which found the experienced hitman. Quagliarella took his chance, volleying the ball home on the turn.
Leonardo Pavoletti vs Spezia
Cagliari and Spezia canceled out each other in an entertaining 2-2 draw. Emmanuel Gyasi and Joao Pedro hit the back of the net from open play, but it was the cheeky goal from Leonardo Pavoletti that will make up the highlight reel. Adam Ounas has to be credited for releasing Gabriele Zappa on the overlap. The defender’s ball into the box was behind Pavoletti, but the experienced marksman put it inside the back of the net with a back-heel.
Matteo Politano vs Roma
The game was won, but Napoli were out for blood. There was urgency from the Partenopei, and it continued throughout the fixture. With a three-goal lead in the bag, Gennaro Gattuso’s men continued to pile misery on the Romans at their hallowed turf. Stanislav Lobotka shielded the ball as Matteo Politano generously got the ball. He dribbled past two Roma defenders and rounded Antonio Mirante to get on the scoreboard. There was a touch of Maradona in him, or it was just the emotions of the game.
Lorenzo Insigne vs Roma
In a match where emotions were running high, Lorenzo Insigne stood tall and made himself count. Standing outside the left edge of the box, he could have either played it in or gone for a goal. He went for the latter, and it was all that the Napoli faithful wanted. El Diego scored many free-kicks like this, Pescara and Juventus fans still harshly remember those, and Insigne took his chances. It was a goal from the gods to emulate a god. Insigne’s tribute to Maradona was fitting.