Napoli registered a crucial win as they beat Verona 2-1 at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi on Sunday. The Partenopei’s star striker Victor Osimhen netted a brace, the first of which came from a header after only 14 minutes. His second goal came in the second half, just a few minutes before Verona scored their goal through Davide Faraoni’s header.
The match had its fair share of drama with the hosts being reduced to nine men towards the end. Nonetheless, it was a fine display from Luciano Spalletti’s side who were once again solid defensively while Osimhen got the goods for them.
Starting XIs: No Insigne for Napoli, Verona Make Three Changes
Napoli made just two changes to the side that lost to Milan at home with Andre Zambo Anguissa making his first league start in 2022. The Cameroonian replaced Piotr Zielinski. Captain Lorenzo Insigne was benched with Hirving Lozano starting in his place.
Verona made three changes to the team that drew 1-1 in Florence. Bosko Sutalo started in place of Nicolo Casale while Fabio Depaoli replaced the injured Darko Lazovic. With Kevin Lasagna not even in the squad, Antonin Barak was in midfield and Gianluca Caprari partnered Giovanni Simeone upfront.
Osimhen Header Puts Napoli in Front
Verona started well, showing some attacking intent in the opening minutes. However, it was Napoli who opened the scoring with only 14 minutes on the clock. Giovanni di Lorenzo’s throw-in found Matteo Politano, who crossed in towards Osimhen. The Nigerian headed in to give his side a 1-0 lead.
Napoli continued to trouble the Verona defense with Fabian Ruiz taking a shot at goal. However, Lorenzo Montipo made a fine save to deny him. The hosts were looking to find an equalizer and dominated the possession but could not get the end product. They were forced to make a change in the 38th minute with Daniel Bessa replacing Fabio Depaoli after the latter suffered an injury.
Osimhen and Faraoni Score as Napoli Win 2-1
Both sides looked keen to find the net and attacked the other’s backline. After nearly 25 minutes of little action, Napoli doubled their lead after Osimhen found the net following a pass from Di Lorenzo.
Verona managed to pull one back just a few minutes later after their captain Faraoni headed in from Adrien Tameze’s cross. Napoli maintained their attacking intensity with Montipo having to deny substitute Eljif Elmas. Mario Rui had a very good shot on goal but unfortunately, it hit the crossbar.
Verona were reduced to ten men after Federico Ceccherini was sent off for a handball. However, they kept on searching for an equalizer but were unable to find it and Napoli won 2-1. Towards the end, Verona’s goalscorer Faraoni was sent off for arguing with the referee.
The Partenopei produced a fine display, especially defensively and Spalletti will no doubt be glad with the three points. Napoli are very well in the title race and the victory will boost their spirits ahead of some crucial matches ahead.
Verona nonetheless produced a spirited performance and never shied away from attacking. Tudor can take some positives from a match where his side put up a fight against one of the best teams in the league.
Napoli are now second in the Serie A table, just three behind leaders Milan. However, they could go back to third if Inter beat Torino this evening. Verona are now ninth in the league table.
What Next for Verona and Napoli
Napoli take on Udinese next weekend and have a very good chance of sealing all three points to keep their title hopes alive. Verona have an away game against Empoli and winning that won’t be easy for them.
MATCH SCORECARD
March 13, 2022 – Serie A 2021-2022 Matchday 29
VERONA – NAPOLI 1-2
SCORERS: 14′ Osimhen (N), 71′ Osimhen (N), 77′ Faraoni (V)
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VERONA (3-5-2): Montipo; Ceccherini, Gunter, Sutalo; Faraoni, Barak, Tameze, Ilic, Depaoli; Caprari, Simeone (62′ Henry) (Chiesa, Berardi, Bosilj, Coppola, Turra, Praszelik, Terracciano) Coach: Tudor |
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NAPOLI (4-3-3): Ospina; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Koulibaly, Rui; Anguissa, Lobotka, Ruiz; Politano, Osimhen, Lozano (Demme, Jesus, Marfella, Mertens, Idasiak, Ounas, Zanoli) Coach: Spalletti |
REFEREE: Mr. Doveri from Rome
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Gunter (V), Ilic (V); Red Cards: Cecchereini (V), Faraoni (V); Added Time: 1st Half 2′, 2nd Half 6 ‘