Napoli have eased the pressure on coach Rafael Benitez with a 1-0 win against Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium.
A solitary goal from Jose Callejon was enough for the Partenopei to come away with the win, which was largely unconvincing.
The loss keeps Sassuolo without a win in the Serie A so far this season, while Napoli get a much-needed three points after an uninspiring start to the campaign.
Here are our player ratings for the game. Do you agree?
Sassuolo
Andrea Consigli – 5 – Unsupported
Was powerless to stop Callejon’s opener after a pin-point cross that eluded everyone in the penalty box except the Spaniard.
Francesco Acerbi – 5 – Inconsistent
Made several important clearances but went missing on Callejon’s opener.
Paolo Cannavaro – 5 – Mediocre
Like his defensive counterpart, he was solid enough intercepting the ball, but struggled to match Higuain for pace when Napoli countered.
Marcelo Gazzola – 4 – Quiet
Struggled to contain Insigne on the right side of the defence and failed to effectively produce any decent crosses for the likes of Zaza to get on the end of.
Federico Peluso – 5 – Solid
Got forward well and did well to track back, but again was found out with pace from Callejon. Had a marvellous chance to equalise late but his volley found the crossbar
Saphir Taider – 4 – Poor
Wasted a couple of long-range efforts at goal and had a horrible first half. Had a coming together with Gargano in the second half, with both players give yellow cards.
Francesco Magnanelli – 6 – Excelled
Knocked the ball around well in midfield, but it was more lateral passing than incisive through balls.
Matteo Brighi – 5 – Battled
Cautioned early and continued his physical approach to combat Gargano and Lopez in midfield. Substituted in the 55th minute.
Nicola Sansone – 5 – Unsighted
Struggled to have an influence early on, both on the left and the right hand side of the forward trident.
Sergio Floccari – 4 – Struggled
Rotated with Sansone between the left and right in an attempt to make his team less predictable going forward. Substituted in the 72nd minute.
Simone Zaza – 5 – Contained
Started in a central position up front and struggled to get into the game. Given a yellow card for simulation in the box.
Substitutes
Simone Missiroli – 6 – Surprising
Was impressive when he came on and almost levelled the scoring with a curving effort at goal within minutes of entering the game.
Leonardo Pavoletti – 4 – Ineffective
Introduced into the game with 15 minutes to play, and had a couple of tough chances at goal.
Napoli
Rafael – 6 – Solid
Was tested on the odd occasion, but was largely untroubled in goal.
K. Koulibaly – 7 – Excellent
Closed down Zaza on a couple of occassions and was solid at the heart of defence.
M. Britos – 6 – Balanced
Got forward well down the left-hand side, and kept the Sassuolo wingers in check.
Raul Albiol – 7 – Strong
The Spaniard was competent at the heart of defence and used his imposing physicality to worry Zaza off the ball.
W.Gargano – 7 – Imposing
Dictated terms in midfield and was given a yellow card for engaging in a physical dispute with Taider. Substituted with 15 minutes to play.
C .Zuniga – 7 – Daring
Solid defensibly on the right hand side, and found the right balance between attack and defence.
D. Lopez – 7 – Intricate
Partnered Gargano in midfield and like his counterpart, he kept the game flowing with some intricate passing.
Marek Hamsik – 5 – Unconvincing
Substituted in the 60th minute after another underwhelming display.
Jose Callejon – 8 – Threatening
Tapped in a nice delivery from Gonzalo Higuain to open the scoring at the 28th minute. Was a constant threat on the right hand side.
Lorenzo Insigne – 7 – Busy
Busy on the left-hand side without starring. Delivered a couple of brilliant set-piece efforts.
Gonzalo Higuain – 7.5 – Assured
Very active in the box early on, and his delightfully whipped cross for Jose Callejon saw the Spaniard open the scoring. Wasted a few early chances in the second half. Withdrawn in the 70th minute.
Substitutes
Jonathan De Guzman – 5 – Solid
Came on for Hamsik in the 60th minute in a more defensive role in midfield.
Duvan Zapata – 4 – Quiet
Came on for Higuain for the last twenty minutes and struggled to get into the game.
Jorginho – 4 – Competent
Came on late for Gargano and stabilised the midfield to close the match out.
