Napoli keeps pace with Milan in the league and beats a strong-willed but too discontinuous Verona at the Bentegodi. The 2-1 victory comes thanks to a brace from Osimhen, who scored in the 13th and 70th minutes, while Faraoni shortened the gap in the 76th minute for Hellas, who woke up late and remained ten in the final for the expulsion of Ceccherini. Important success for the Neapolitans, who climb to 60 points, 3 points behind the Rossoneri at the top, showing that they have overcome the disappointment of the defeat in the direct match a week ago.
Forced to win to stay hooked to the Scudetto train, Spalletti initially renounced Insigne, forward Lozano supported Osimhen. The Neapolitans start the game with determination, in particular Di Lorenzo immediately appears inspired on the wing. At 13 ‘Napoli took the lead with a great header from Osimhen, his eighth goal in the league. Perfect assist from Politano, for an imperious detachment of the Neapolitan tip, who bags. The guests, also strong of the advantage, are masters of the game: they mark fiercely and tend to close Hellas in their own half. At 21 ‘Ruiz could double but his shot, strong and angled, was rejected by an excellent Montipò. Halfway through the first half, Verona tries to raise their heads and raises the center of gravity, but it is always Napoli to make the game.
The plays of the guests, in particular those of Osimhen, are always accompanied by whistles and ‘buu’ from the Veronese fans. A part of the supporters last night also posted a ‘cryptic’ banner signed Curva Sud outside the Bentegodi stadium. In the banner appear the flags of Russia and Ukraine and under the coordinates ’40 ° 50’N 14 ° 15’E ‘, those of the city of Naples. According to the interpretation of some, the meaning would therefore be to hit the Neapolitan capital.
On the pitch the players of the two teams do not think about these things, but only to play and try to win a game in which the three points are important for both teams. Hellas grows, at 33 ‘Simeone tries to free Sutalo in the area but Ospina’s intervention interrupts an action that could be dangerous. The marking of the Scaligeri on the Napoli players is now suffocating, the Neapolitans compensate with the greatest technical skills. At 39 ‘nice shot from Ruiz from the edge of the area, the ball ends up on the side not by much.
No substitution at half-time, the recovery begins with Napoli taking possession again and pushing forward. The hosts check and bet on the restarts. At 49 ‘big danger for the Neapolitan defense, which risks making a mess, but Ceccherini is unable to take advantage of it. At 62 ‘comes the moment of Insigne, on the field in place of Lozano, while Elmas takes over Politano. Napoli controls but fails to sink, at least until the 70 ‘when Osimhen scores the double again: a robbery goal with a nice ball from Di Lorenzo for the center forward who cannot go wrong from a few steps. Napoli could now control, but already in the 76th minute they were distracted and allowed Tameze to put a soft cross on Faraoni’s head, who scored and reopened the match.
The galvanized Verona returns to press high and Napoli is now forced to suffer. Tameze and Caprari are a thorn in the side of the Neapolitan defense, at 81 ‘Barak manages to take the lead in the small area of Ospina but misses his aim. Two minutes later Hellas remained in ten: Ceccherini sent off for a double yellow card in the best moment of the hosts. At 86 ‘Montipò has a great reflex on Elmas’ close shot, preventing the guests from 3-1. At 88 ‘another opportunity for Napoli with Mario Rui, who hits the intersection of the posts with a great shot from outside. At 90 ‘Petagna enters in place of Osimhen but after a few seconds he gets hurt and is immediately replaced. An incandescent final with Faraoni, the author of the goal, who was booked for a touch of his hand and after the final whistle again booked and then sent off for protests. Napoli takes home a fundamental victory, which is good for morale and for the standings.