Rafael Benitez’s Napoli took a big step toward the Europa League quarter-finals as the Serie A side defeated Dinamo Moscow 3-1 in Naples on Thursday night.
Despite Napoli going behind early thanks to a Kevin Kuranyi goal, the Partenopei overran the Russians as Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain notched a hat-trick. Dries Mertens also shone on the night as the Belgian terrorized the left side of the Russian defence.
However, Dinamo Moscow did get a valuable away goal and will go back to Moscow with hopes of overturning the tie in a week’s time.
Did we get our ratings right? Let us know in the comments below.
Napoli
Mariano Andujar – 6 – Untroubled
Other than Kevin Kuranyi’s second minute headed goal, Andujar was rarely troubled. The goalkeeper only had two saves to make.
Henrique – 6.5 – Unexpected
Played as a right-back and held his own against the quick Balazs Dzsudzsak. Got up and down the right side and made a solid contribution to the team.
Kalidou Koulibaly – N/A- Injured
The big defender only last nine minutes before being replaced by Raul Albiol due to injury.
Miguel Britos – 6.5 – Stopper
Rarely found himself in trouble or needing to make a big tackle.
Faouzi Ghoulam – 7 – Terrorise
Gorgeous cross that led to Higuain’s first goal for Napoli. No trouble defending and made a night of pressing Dynamo’s right side back.
Jorginho – 7.5 – Rock
Solid in midfield. Controlled the middle of the park alongside Gokhan Inler.
Gokhan Inler – 7.5 – Sturdy
Partnered Jorginho well and gave very little time and space to Dynamo’s midfield.
Jose Callejon – 6.5 – Lively
Looked the most dangerous for Napoli early on, but didn’t quite keep it going into the second half.
Jonathan de Guzman – 5.5 – Quiet
The quietest of Napoli’s starting XI. Rarely was in the game and made few clear contributions.
Dries Mertens – 8 – Brilliant
Showed plenty of pace. Won the penalty that allowed Napoli to take the lead in the 30th minute and made the cross to Higuain for his third goal.
Gonzalo Higuain – 9 – Textbook
Brilliant pure hat-trick: Header, right foot, left foot. The third was the pick of the three, chested Mertens cross and struck on the volley. Made the most of his chances.
Substitutes
Raul Albiol – 6.5
Marek Hamsik – 5.5
Juan Zuniga – N/A
Dinamo Moscow
Vladimir Gabulov – 5 – Outclassed
Helpless against Higuain’s penalty, but should have done better on the Argentine’s opening header. Could do nothing about the third.
Aleksei Kozlov – 5.5 – Owned
He was pressed back far too often by Mertens and company. Mertens had him in his pocket for much of the second half
Tomas Hubocan – 5.5 – Incapable
Unable to help corral Higuain.
Christopher Samba – 5.5 – Slow
Got on the wrong side of Higuain, that was one of his few mistakes on the night. Picked up a yellow card in the second half.
Yuri Zhirkov – 6 – Defended
Defended well and provided help in defensive areas for Dinamo. Their most competent defender.
Mathieu Valbuena – 5 – Anonymous
The Frenchman made no impact on the match.
Roman Zobnin – 3 – Foolish
The 21-year-old brought down Dries Mertens in the penalty area which led to Napoli taking the lead 2-1 and received a yellow card minutes later. Lost his head and was too aggressive after half-time which got him sent off.
William Vainqueur – 6.5 – Timely
Looked impressive with some timely tackles and pushed the attack forward when he had the space.
Balazs Dzsudzsak – 5.5 – Dog-collared
The Hungarian could never stretch his legs and use his pace against Henrique down the left hand side or Ghoulam down the right.
Kevin Kuranyi – 6 – Valuable
Gave Dynamo the early lead from a header and scored a valuable away goal. Popped up a few times to scare Napoli’s defenders, but faded quickly.
Aleksandr Kokorin – 5 – No opportunities
Held the ball up when he could and made a few knockdowns for teammates to get on to but had minimal service from teammates all night.
Substitutes
Alexander Buttner – 5
Aleksei Ionov – 5
Tashaev Aleksandr – N/A
