January 23, (THEWILL) – Napoli trounced Salernitana 4-1 in a superb performance at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where Nigeria international Victor Osimhen was a second half substitute.
After 19 minutes, Luciano Spalletti’s side took the lead due to defender Juan Jesus. Federico Bonazzoli, who received a pass from Wajdi Kechrida, equalised for Salernitana in their lone assault of the game.
Dries Mertens’ penalty restored Napoli’s advantage right before the half-time whistle. Goals from Amir Rrahmani and Lorenzo Insigne extended the Partenopei’s lead early in the second half.
From the first minute, Napoli were on the attack and causing problems for the Salernitana defence. Vid Belec made a fantastic stop from Fabian Ruiz’s long-range effort. Expectedly, the Partenopei scored in the 17th minute from the most unlikely of sources: Juan Jesus. This was the Brazilian’s first goal for the Italian club.
Mario Rui delivered a pass across the face of the Salernitana goal, giving the hosts a golden opportunity to double their lead. Elif Elmas and Hirving Lozano, on the other hand, were unable to get a touch towards goal.
Salernitana found their equaliser with a play that almost always resulted in a goal. Joel Obi’s backheel set up Kechrida, whose pass found Bonazzoli, who scored past Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret. However, Andrea Schiavone suffered an injury and they were forced to make a substitution minutes later. Pawel Jaroszynski took his position.
Just before the break, Elmas was fouled by Frederic Veseli, and Napoli won a penalty. Mertens stepped up and sent the goalie the wrong way to give the Partenopei the lead back. This was his tenth goal of the season for the Belgian.
At halftime, Napoli made one change, with Insigne replacing Hirving Lozano. The Partenopei got off to a great start in the second half, with Rrahmani scoring their third goal after nodding in a cross from Mertens. After a handball by Veseli, who was sent off for a second yellow card, Napoli were granted another penalty just minutes later.
Insigne converted the penalty kick to put his team up 4-1. The hosts continued to cause problems for Salernitana’s defence, attempting multiple shots on goal but failing to score before the final whistle.
The result moves Napoli up to second place in Serie A, one point ahead of Milan, who still have a game in hand.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
