Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo(AFP)
Napoli surprisingly swallowed the bitter pill of defeat against Empoli in the continuation of the Italian Serie A League. Visiting the Carlo Castellani Stadium, Sunday (21/4), Napoli lost with a score of 0-1.
The home team’s winning goal was scored by Alberto Cerii after just four minutes of the match. Surprised by the quick goal, Napoli continued to attack the opponent’s defense throughout the match. Unfortunately, they could not take advantage of the opportunities they had.
Statistically, Napoli dominated the match by holding 74% of ball possession. They also attempted nine kicks but only one was on target. Meanwhile, Empoli also only had one shot on goal. What made the difference was that the only opportunity resulted in a goal.
Also read: Eliminated from the Champions League, Napoli shifts focus to Serie A
This defeat made the Partenopei’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season increasingly slim. Napoli is currently in eighth place with a score of 49 points. They are six points behind AS Roma who are in fifth place or the bottom limit of the Champions League zone for Serie A.
On the contrary, the victory kept Empoli away from the relegation zone. Davide Nicola’s squad is now in 15th position with a collection of 31 points. They are four points from the relegation zone.
The course of the match
The home team immediately took the lead in the 4th minute. Emmanuel Gyasi’s cross from the right side was completed by Alberto Cerri with a header into the left corner of the goal which goalkeeper Alex Meret failed to reach. The score is 1-0.
Empoli had a chance in the 17th minute, Jacopo Fazzini’s long-range shot was still not on target. Likewise with his header which went wide on the right in the 29th minute.
Napoli continued to control the ball, but they had difficulty breaking down Empoli’s defense. It was recorded that six attempts were blocked by the host’s defenders throughout the second half. Empoli vs Napoli ended 1-0.