Napoli Player Ratings vs Fiorentina: Gutierrez Screamer Ends Partenopei Poor Run | OneFootball

Napoli bounced back from back-to-back defeats with a morale-boosting 2-1 home victory over Serie A underachievers Fiorentina.

Napoli had a rough week. Days after an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to bitter rivals Juventus, Antonio Conte’s side suffered an early UEFA Champions League elimination, as Chelsea inflicted their first home loss at Europe’s top table since 2017 on Wednesday.

A second consecutive Scudetto for the first time in club history has become a pipe dream for the Partenopei. They were trailing table-topping Inter by nine points ahead of this evening’s kick-off, and failure was not an option, especially against out-of-sorts Fiorentina.

Antonio Vergara inspired Napoli to a perfect start, converting a lightning-fast counter-attack in the 11th minute to open the scoring. Even though both sides created numerous scoring chances in the first half, the scoreline stayed the same at halftime.

However, it took Napoli only four minutes into the second half to double their lead. Miguel Gutierrez scored a sensational goal, cutting inside from the right wing before sending the ball into the far corner with pinpoint precision. Yet, Fiorentina pulled one back moments later.

Winter signing Manor Solomon got on the end of a fortunate rebound inside the six-yard box, slotting the ball past Alex Meret to blow the game wide open. Unfortunately for Paolo Vanoli, it proved to be a consolation goal for Fiorentina, as they failed to muster many chances for the rest of the game.

Napoli (3-4-3)

Alex Meret – 7/10

Despite failing to keep a clean sheet, the Italian goalkeeper made four impressive saves, helping Napoli weather the storm in the first half.

Alessandro Buongiorno – 5/10

Another disappointing performance from the former Torino center-back. Late to close down Solomon for Fiorentina’s goal and picked up another silly yellow card for a cynical tackle.

Juan Jesus – 6/10

With Amir Rrahmani out injured, Conte chose to trust the Brazilian veteran to start at the heart of his defense, and he wasn’t wrong. Far more impressive than Buongiorno.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 5/10

Played a more conservative role than usual and fared reasonably well before an injury forced him off midway through the first half.

Leonardo Spinazzola – 6/10

Despite often lacking the end product, the versatile wingback showed plenty of intent on the ball, never running away from the challenge.

Scott McTominay – 7/10

Last season’s Serie A MVP soaked up the limelight as Napoli’s driving force in the engine room, pulling all the strings in the absence of several standout forwards.

Stanislav Lobotka – 6/10

Though calm and collected on the ball, the diminutive midfielder refused to seek a killer pass, frequently choosing to recycle possession sideways rather than take risks in the final third.

Miguel Gutierrez – 8/10

You are unlikely to see a better goal in this Serie A round than this! Gutierrez’s moment of brilliance eventually made all the difference, inspiring Napoli to a much-needed win.

Antonio Vergara – 8/10

Showcased his speed and composure to break the deadlock with his first goal for the club, handing himself a major confidence boost for the rest of the game.

Elif Elmas – 7/10

Conte’s decision to field him on the left wing didn’t affect his overall influence, as the versatile midfielder worked tirelessly, linked play well, and caused problems with his intelligent movement.

Rasmus Hojlund – 6/10

While it’s always difficult for a striker when there are no chances coming their way, the Danish center-forward worked hard off the ball and occupied defenders, but ultimately cut a frustrated figure in the final third.

Substitutions

Mathias Olivera – 7/10