Napoli 0-0 Monza: Walter Mazzarri sent off as visitors leave Naples with a Serie A point
ByTNT Sports
Published 29/12/2023 at 18:16 GMT
Napoli were indebted to keeper Alex Meret, whose second-half save from Matteo Pessina's penalty helped them to a point against Monza in Serie A. Napoli have stuttered through this campaign, and weren't helped when boss Walter Mazzarri was sent to the stands for getting involved in an on-pitch disagreement. Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could have scored before half-time but sent his effort wide.
Ten Hag 'really looking forward' to working with new co-owners Ineos
Video credit: SNTV
Napoli were held to a goalless draw at home to Monza in Serie A - and could have fallen to defeat had Matteo Pessina converted a second-half penalty for the visitors.
After a very quiet first half-hour, Napoli dominated play and could easily have gone ahead when Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa latched onto a cross from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia but shot straight at Michele Di Gregorio.
The Georgian ace was close to scoring himself a minute before the interval but his effort just wouldn't curl into the far corner.
After Amir Rrahmani spurned a free header from Piotr Zielinski's set-piece early in the second half, it was Monza who had the best chance of the match.
The penalty was a little fortuitous as Juan Jesus could do little to avoid being struck in the hand by a shot from substitute Andrea Colpani.
Alex Meret came to the rescue but in truth it was a fairly easy stop from Pessina's tame kick.
Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri and his opposite number Raffaele Palladino were sent off in a feisty affair, as was visiting defender Mirko Maric, deep into stoppage-time.
The result leaves Napoli in seventh spot, while Monza are 11th.
Talking Point - A glimpse of life without Osimhen
When he missed four games earlier in the year, Napoli lost one of these by a solitary goal to Empoli at home. This could well have been a similar tale if Pessina had converted the penalty. They had chances, with Anguissa, Rrahmini, Zerbin and Gaetano all guilty of poor finishes but only magic from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who also should have netted a simple opportunity, looked a likely goal source.
The end result was fairly predictable. Napoli had scored 28 goals in 17 games coming into this match, with 12 of these coming from Victor Osimhen and Matteo Politano - who also saw red against Roma. Napoli will hope they will maintain the services of Osimhen for the long-term after he signed a deal keeping him at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona until 2026, but he has been continually linked with a move to the Premier League and Chelsea in particular.
Player of the Match - Mario Rui (Napoli)
It was not a game of great performances but Rui put in a very solid performance. Strong at the back and he created multiple chances with his cultured left foot. He edges Kvaratskhelia who showed glimpses of his magical talent, but maybe not enough.
Player Ratings
Napoli: Meret 7; Di Lorenzo 7, Rrahmani 6, Juan Jesus 6, Mario Rui 7*; Anguissa 6, Lobotka 6, Zielinski 6; Zerbin 6, Raspadori 6, Kvaratskhelia 7. Subs: Gaetano 6, Contini 6, Lindstrom 6, Simeone 6.
Monza: Di Gregorio 7; Pereira 6, Caldirola 6, Gagliardini 7, D’Ambrosio 6; Ciurria 7, Akpa Akpro 6, Pessina 6, V. Carboni 6; Mota 5, Colombo 5. Subs: Birindelli 7, Caldirola 6. Colpani 6, Cittadini 6, Bondo 6, Machin 6.
Match Highlights
40' DI GREGORIO DENIES ANGUISSA A fine ball from Rui and is met by the bursting run of Anguissa at the back post but though he makes good contact his effort is too close to Di Gregorio who parries away.
44' KVARATSKHELIA NOT FAR OFF WITH LOW CURLING STRIKE He has warmed to the task as the game has gone on and the Georgian here drove to the box from the left flank and was not far away from finding the far corner.
48' WHAT A CHANCE FOR RRAHMANI He was unmarked as he leapt to meet Zielinksi's free kick from near the corner flag, but he headed over the bar.
57' KVARATSKHELIA HAD TO SCORE He played a wonderful one-two with Raspadori and tried to give Di Gregorio the eyes and hit it inside the near post but the Monza keeper blocked with his legs.
66' PENALTY FOR MONZA! Colpani tried to toe poke the ball on target and it struck the hand of Jesus. It did not look like the defender could have done much about it.
68' PENALTY SAVED! An awful attempt from Pessina stroking a ball across his body to the keeper's left and he comfortably saves.
90' WHAT A CHANCE FOR GAETANO! Simeone poked a ball behind the defence but taking his shot quickly, he shot firmly but close to Di Gregorio who kicked to safety. Key Stat 1 - Napoli have won just one of their last five matches, losing three of them.
Key Stat
Advertisement
Advertisement