Napoli increasingly down. At the Castellani, Calzona's Azzurri fall for the second time this season against Empoli: it ends 1-0 for the home team.
A decisive goal by Cerri after just 4 minutes stops the Neapolitans at 49 points in the standings, with Europe increasingly distant. The man of the match is Alberto Cerri, who punishes a listless and initiative-less Napoli.
Calzona's boys collide against Empoli's defensive wall, effectively giving up their hopes of a place in Europe for next season. The Neapolitans' start to the match is a real disaster and Cerri, after just four minutes, gives Empoli the lead, anticipating the Azzurri defense with a precise header.
The former Como striker was forced to leave the field in the 20th minute due to a muscular problem. Napoli's reaction was practically non-existent and it was Empoli who came close to scoring a second goal several times: in the 35th minute Cambiaghi, completely free in the area, failed to double the lead, hitting the post.
After a disappointing first half, Napoli returns to the locker room under a hail of whistles from their fans. In the second half, the guests try to react, but struggle to increase their pace of play; on the other side, the Tuscans defend with order, focusing on the counterattack.
In the 67th minute, Kvaratskhelia becomes dangerous, but his shot is blocked by a great intervention by Caprile. The entries of Ngonge, Raspadori and Simeone fail to awaken an ugly and inoffensive Napoli at the end of the match.
Empoli secures the victory, playing with more order and tactical intensity. Thanks to this success, the team coached by Nicola climbs to fifteenth place, temporarily moving four points away from the relegation zone, currently occupied by Frosinone, third from last in the standings.
Article published on 20 April 2024 - 19:56
