Napoli crushed Lazio 5-0 at the Stadio San Paolo in Sunday evening’s Serie A showdown. A brace from Gonzalo Higuain and goals from Allan, Lorenzo Insigne and Manolo Gabbiadini gave the Partenopei their first league win of the season, while the visitors have suffered heavy defeats in both of their away fixtures to date.
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NAPOLI
Pepe Reina – 6 – Untested
A complete spectator. Won’t be involved in an easier match than this. Only had one real save to make and that was in the 89th minute.
Elseid Hysaj – 6.5 – Advanced
Took up a very advanced position on the right flank and produced some dangerous crosses. Looked sharp defensively too.
Kalidou Koulibaly – 6.5 – Rock
Precise and strong in the tackle and pushed forwards to start attacks from the back.
Raul Albiol – 6 – Comfortable
Held his position well but was rarely put under pressure as his midfielders completely controlled the match.
Faouzi Ghoulam – 6 – Supportive
Provided support on the left flank and didn’t neglect his defensive duties but coasted through the game.
Allan – 7.5 – Creative
Close with a long range effort early in the first half. Made it 2-0 after a brilliant run and confident finish before setting up the fifth goal for Manolo Gabbiadini. Strong in midfield and distribution was slick. and incisive.
Jorginho – 6.5 – Strong
Hounded the opposition in midfield and won possession for his side on many occasions.
Marek Hamsik – 6.5 – Conductor
The conductor at the heart of the Partenopei midield but rarely challenged by his opponents.
Jose Callejon – 6.5 – Elusive
Involved in some good inter-play with Hysaj on the right wing and movement off the ball caused problems for the Biancocelesti defence.
Gonzalo Higuain – 8 – Devastating
Missed a glorious chance in the opening minutes but soon made up for it by opening the scoring with a ferocious twenty-yard drive. Created the third goal and showed all his pace and strength to score the fourth. Constantly tormented the Lazio defenders with his physicality.
Lorenzo Insigne – 8 – Rampant
Excellent link up play and a fantastic through ball for Higuain’s early miss. Set up the second goal with an even better weighted pass and ran at the Lazio defenders with real intent all night long. Deservedly got in on the scoring when he slotted home Napoli’s third.
SUBSTITUTES
David Lopez (60 mins) – 6 – Controlled
Easily slotted into the midfield with Napoli cruising in the second half.
Manolo Gabbiadini (64 mins) – 6.5 – Opportunistic
Scored the fifth goal after a brilliant run and a clever finish.
Omar El Kaddouri (73 mins) – 6 – Energetic
Ran at the Lazio defenders and looked eager to get in on the action.