Napoli 0-2 Inter: Jovetic stunner knocks Partenopei out of Coppa Italia

Date: 19th January 2016 at 10:48pm
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Inter beat Napoli 2-0 at the Stadio San Paolo on Tuesday night, to reach the Coppa Italia semi-final.

Despite a strong start from the Neapolitans, neither them or the Biscione were able to break the deadlock in the first-half. In a tight affair it was clear a moment of quality would be needed to open the scoring and in the 74th minute Jovetic a sumptuous effort to give Inter the lead.

Three minutes before full-time Napoli’s chances of getting back into the match were given a huge blow when Dries Mertens was sent-off for simulation. Adem Ljajic then sealed the win in 92nd minute.

Napoli started the match in dominant fashion, and they created their first chance in 13th minute. Mertens picked up the ball on the left-wing, before cutting inside and releasing a savage shot goalwards, forcing Samir Handanovic into a good save.

Pepe Reina was a complete spectator as the Partenopei continued to dominate. Ivan Strinic burst down the left-flank and slid a low cross towards Jose Callejon, however, the Spaniard’s tame effort was stopped by a low save from Handanovic.

The game then settled as the Nerazzurri found their rhythm and solidified defensively, however they were unable to test Reina before the half-time whistle blew.

The second-half continued in a rather lukewarm manner with the first real chance coming in the 62nd minute. After winning the ball in midfield Inter broke forward, with the ball eventually falling to Jovetic outside the penalty box.

The Montenegrin, in space, then let rip a vicious shot stinging the palms of Reina.

Jovetic was starting to get involved in the match and it was the former Fiorentina man who opened the scoring. Once again Inter’s high press won the ball and Jovetic drove at the Napoli defence before he curled a stunning effort past the statuesque Reina.

Maurizio Sarri’s side were piling on the pressure in search of an equaliser, and they almost got it when, once again, Mertens cut inside and forced Handanovic to make a crucial save.

Two minutes later Mertens was surprisingly sent-off for a second yellow-card, given for simulation.

Three minutes before full-time, Inter sealed the win. Following a cleared Napoli free-kick, Ljajic ran the length of the pitch before sliding his shot past Reina.

 

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