The usual Napoli of this season gives a time to the Monza, struggles in attack and goes behind. Then, in a dramatic start to the second half, he gets the game back on track with three gems in the space of 6 minutes: Osimhen, Politano and Zielinski before Raspadori's goal.
Article Key Points
In Monza the Azzurri win with a score of 4-2. A few changes to note in Calzona's eleven.
In midfield, Zielinski is seen again alongside Anguissa and Lobotka, while Ngonge completes the attacking trident on the right with Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia. No changes in defense: Rrahmani and Juan Jesus take their place in front of Meret, with Olivera wide together with Di Lorenzo.
Usual 4-2-3-1 for Palladino. In goal Di Gregorio, in front of him the Neapolitan Izzo with Pablo Marì, Caldirola and Birindelli on the wings.
In the middle Gagliardini with Akpa Akpro, Mota is supported by Colpani and the former Zerbin in the three-quarter line behind the only striker who is Milan Djuric.
Napoli not very dangerous and Monza punishes: Djuric makes it 1-0
Napoli tries to make the game, bringing many men towards Di Gregorio, but the first minutes pass without creating any danger. Instead, in the 9th minute, it is Monza with their first offensive action that takes the lead: a nice play by the former player Zerbin who from the left with a cross finds Djuric who heads it in ahead of Juan Jesus and beats Meret to the corner for 1-0.
Timid reaction from the Azzurri: in the quarter of an hour Di Lorenzo tries on a corner kick, but the conclusion is high. In the 25th minute, an opportunity for Ngonge: the former Verona player however delays on Anguissa's service and has his shot deflected towards the goal.
Shortly after, news from the home team, with Dany Mota forced to leave the field due to injury: Maldini comes on. After half an hour, Napoli claims a penalty: risky tackle in the area by Zerbin on Ngonge, referee Doveri lets it go and the VAR check confirms his decision on the field.
The Neapolitans' biggest chance came in the 40th minute: Di Gregorio made a mistake in the clearance, Osimhen disturbed him and Kvaratskhelia arrived on the ball, but the goalkeeper responded; nothing could be done on the rebound with Akpa Akpro who cleared. The first half ended like this: Monza ahead.
Three pearls in 5 minutes, Napoli turns it around. Monza KO at home
After a nightmare first half, Napoli's start to the second half was nothing short of a dream. In the 56th minute, Anguissa found Osimhen with a nice cross: the Nigerian's header surprised Izzo and was worth the equaliser.
2 minutes pass and the Azzurri complete the comeback thanks to an absolute pearl on the fly from outside by Politano: the ball hits the top corner and Di Gregorio has no chance. Zielinski makes it three in the 61st minute: the Pole receives the ball on the edge of the area after a persistent action and with his left foot sends the ball under the crossbar for 3-1.
It all seemed downhill, but Colpani called for order with a curling feat: he came back on his left and fooled Meret with an uncatchable shot, reopening the match. Raspadori then took the lead again for the Neapolitans, who just seconds after coming on the pitch scored a winning tap-in after Di Gregorio saved Di Lorenzo: it was 4-2.
Osimhen comes close to scoring a brace shortly after with an overhead kick, but the Brianza goalkeeper makes an easy save this time. It's the last real thrill of a match that doesn't provide any further excitement: it ends like this.
Article published on 7 April 2024 - 17:00
