Napoli beat Chievo 2-1 at the Stadio Bentegodi in Serie A action on Sunday afternoon despite the home side missing a host of chances in the first half.
Napoli took the lead through an own goal from Bostjan Cesar, as Gonzalo Higuain played in Manolo Gabbiadini, with his effort hitting the goalkeeper’s foot and off Cesar’s head and into the net.
Chievo were the better side for much of the first period and got a deserved equaliser when Sergio Pellissier forced Rafael into an error on 25 minutes with the ball rebounding off Miguel Britos and into the net.
They away side were much improved in the second half and got the winner in the 62nd minute as Ivan Strinic got forward and passed to Gabbiadini in the box who curled the ball into the bottom corner of the net to give the three points to Napoli.
Agree with our ratings? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
Chievo
Albano Bizzarri – 6 – Unfortunate
Largely untested in the match despite conceding twice. Was involved in the error which allowed Napoli to take the lead. The veteran did well to get a foot to Gabbiadini’s effort, although the save unfortunately rebounded of the head of Cesar and into the net. Saved superbly from Gabbiadini again from close range in the second half.
Bostjan Cesar – 6 – Unlucky
No nonsense defending from the Slovenian who headed and cleared the ball well throughout the match including several acrobatic clearances. Had a lapse in concentration to allow Gabbiadini through on goal but could do nothing when the rebounded ball hit of his head and into the net.
Ervin Zukanovic – 6.5 – Robust
A similarly robust performance in defence alongside his defensive partners including an excellent sliding tacking in the box. Did well under pressure and got forward well and found the head of Pellissier with a fine crossed ball. Got a shot away under pressure but looked unlikely to score from the tight angle.
Alessandro Gamberini – 6 – Strong
Not as comfortable as his defensive partners in the game but defended well under pressure from Higuian to clear the ball for a corner and consistently cleared with his head from Napoli long balls into the box.
Ezequiel Schelotto – 6 – Average
The Argentina born Italian did not have the opportunity to express himself regularly throughout the match and was wasteful with some long balls forward but did produce a couple of worth while crosses.
Valter Birsa – 5.5 – Missing
Had spells when involved in several attacking build ups on the left but also periods where the Slovenian went missing from play. Replace on the hour.
Mariano Izco – 6 – Reliable
Unspectacular but relevant performance as he played in his side’s more gifted attacking players, although could have showed more commitment in defence when the Partenopei were on the counter attack.
Ivan Radovanovic – 6.5 – Effective
Passed and controlled play with Chievo on top and produced some accurate balls into the forwards who looked dangerous in and around the box. Linked well with Hetemaj to get the ball into dangerous areas in the final third.
Perparim Hetemaj – 6.5 – Creative
Passed and distributed relatively well for the Verona outfit and produced a dangerous ball into the box which allowed Pellissier to equalise on 25 minutes.
Sergio Pellissier – 7 – Lively
The Flying Donkeys captain looked dangerous, challenging Rafael as his glancing header went wide and forced an equaliser for his side on 25 minutes after forcing the Napoli goalkeeper into an error, although the effort went in off . Had numerous chances to get a second but was wasteful with several headed efforts
Alberto Paloschi – 5.5 – Disappointing
Appeared isolated for much of the first half as the former Milan forward looked second best compared to his veteran strike partner. Should have converted from close range within the opening ten minutes and had a headed effort sail over the bar. Also produced a poor through ball which would have put Pellissier through for a certain goal in the second half.
Substitutes
Ruben Botta – 5.5 – Uninspiring
Replaced Birsa on 62 minutes but also struggled to get involved in play with Napoli looking better in possession.
Riccardo Meggiorini – 5.5 – Unimposing
Had an effort off target seconds after coming on but had little other impact on proceedings
Anders Christiansen- N/A
Replaced Cesar late on
Napoli
Rafael – 5.5 – Shaky
Did not look comfortable when called upon and lacked a commanding presence in the penalty area. Error from a Hetamaj long ball which he should have been gathered or punched was fumbled into the path of Pellissier, with the ball rebounding off Britos into the net.
Christian Maggio – 5– Uninvolved
The Italy international was vacant during the first half and did little in the second half to influence play in attack. His right flank was easily exploited by Chievo.
Raul Albiol – 6 – Mixed
Allowed the Chievo front line to generated several effort on goal and lost his man inside the box too frequently. Despite this, the Spaniard ensured that the Flying Donkeys lacked clear cut chances which secured the points for his side.
Miguel Britos – 5.5– Disappointing
At error for the Chievo equaliser and should have cleared the danger before the ball rebounded off him and into the net. Was second best to a number of crossed efforts but improved in the second period and look more robust as Chievo deteriorated.
Ivan Strinic – 6 – Assist
Largely a passenger on at left full back, allowing some crosses into the box in addition to little attacking threat. Did get forward well once in the match, providing a well placed pass for Napoli’s second goal.
David Lopez – 6– Settled
Performed his duties adequately and passed with precision in the middle third, although many of his lofted passes forward lacked the accuracy of his short passing.
Jorginho – 6– Controlling
The Brazilian born Italian could not control the tempo of play early on but came into the encounter as time passed and unlocked the Chievo defence of a couple of times with well placed passes and lofted through balls before being replaced.
Manolo Gabbiadini– 7.5– Winner
Looked quiet until he broke through the Napoli defence to force the own goal from Cesar and showed great skill to flick the ball over the defender inside the box but should have scored from close range. Made amends to put Napoli ahead again with a well placed shot but was replaced shortly after.
Johnathan De Guzman – 6 – Determined
Looked lively on the counter attack and got into good positions, in addition to passing the ball well in the midfield. Linked well with Callejon when he came on but blazed over when the ball was played to him in the box.
Dries Mertens – 5.5 – Isolated
Largely isolated for much of the first half but came alive in and around the box with the Belgian’s quick feet and change of direction causing the Flying Donkey’s defence to scramble.
Gonzalo Higuain – 6– Wasteful
Challenged the Chievo defence with his strength and held the ball up well. Should have passed to De Guzman on a counter attack but create the pass to Gabbiadini which lead to his side’s opener. Had several opportunities in the box but had difficulty finishing due to poor decision making and last ditch defending.
Substitutes
Jose Callejon – 6 – Effective
Had a headed effort blocked after coming on and looked lively in counter attacks
Walter Gargano – 6 – Efficient
Came on to replace the tired Jorginho and fitted in well in defensive midfield.
Marek Hamsik – N/A
Came on late and should have scored in stoppages but headed straight at the Chievo goalkeeper.
