Napoli Player Ratings vs Fiorentina: Dream Debut for Newcomers | OneFootball

Napoli swept Fiorentina aside in a dominant 3-1 victory at Stadio Artemio Franchi to return to the top of the Serie A table. Antonio Conte’s side showed ruthlessness in front of goal and compactness at the back on their way to a third successive league win this season.

It was a dream start for the visitors as Kevin De Bruyne slotted home an early penalty to break the deadlock with less than 10 minutes on the clock. Rasmus Hojlund made it 2-0 in the 14th minute, finding the net on his debut for Napoli after joining the club from Manchester United on deadline day.

Another Napoli debutant made his mark at the beginning of the second half. Indeed, Sam Beukema was in the right place at the right time to tap home Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s cutback. There was never a way back from 3-0 for Fiorentina, but the hosts saved some pride toward the end of the game.

Luca Ranieri scored in the 79th minute only to spoil Napoli’s perfect defensive record this season. However, it cast no shadow on the reigning champions’ second consecutive win in Florence. Without further ado, let’s look at our Napoli player ratings.

Napoli (4-1-4-1)

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic – 7/10

Though he didn’t have much to do tonight, the Serbian goalkeeper demonstrated his composure on the ball and made two saves. It’s debatable whether he could’ve done more to stop Ranieri’s strike.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 7/10

Finally a vivid performance from the Napoli captain, who nearly broke the deadlock in the second minute, only for David de Gea’s last-gasp save to deny him his season opener. Made numerous forward runs and did well in defense.

Sam Beukema – 8/10

In addition to keeping Moise Kean at bay, the Dutch center-back found the net on his first start for Napoli. It’s impossible to imagine Conte removing him from the starting line-up from this point on.

Alessandro Buongiorno – 7/10

The only difference between him and the ex-Bologna star was that he failed to get on the scoresheet. Otherwise, it was a flawless defensive display from the Italian ace.

Leonardo Spinazzola – 8/10

What a pass it was! The Euro 2020 winner released Hojlund in space with an inch-perfect ball with the outside of his foot. Dynamic and direct as always!

Stanislav Lobotka – 6/10

The diminutive Slovakian playmaker lost the spotlight to his fellow midfield colleagues, yet his passing was as clean and precise as ever.

Scott McTomiany – 6/10

Although the Scottish talisman lacked impact, his energy and tireless runs down the left flank often created anxiety among Fiorentina defenders.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 8/10

The Cameroonian midfielder continued his outstanding start to the season. Despite failing to score, he registered an assist to cap off a superb performance.

Kevin De Bruyne – 8/10

There’s nothing more Conte can expect from his superstar. Converted a penalty with an ice-cold finish and nearly doubled his match tally later in the first half, but De Gea denied him with a stunning save.

Matteo Politano – 6/10

With most of Napoli’s attacking movements focused on the left wing, the left-footed winger didn’t have many chances to threaten De Gea’s goal.

Rasmus Hojlund – 8/10

The Danish striker could hardly have imagined a better way to announce his return to Serie A as he scored only 14 minutes into his debut and almost got an assist soon after.

Substitutions

David Neres – 6/10

Elif Elmas – 5/10

Mathias Olivera – 6/10