Why don’t Napoli play like this all the time?! In a high-scoring encounter at the Mapei Stadium, Napoli emerged victorious with a commanding 6-1 win over Sassuolo in their Serie A clash – thanks to a superb Victor Osimhen hat-trick and inspired displays from wingers Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano.
Napoli’s interim coach, Francesco Calzona, made a fantastic Serie A debut indeed. After the 1-1 Champions League draw with Barcelona, his side romped to a convincing victory against the Neroverdi despite going behind early on.
The game kicked off with relegation-threatened Sassuolo taking an early lead in the 17th minute. Serbian midfielder Uros Racic capitalized on a loose ball outside the box and unleashed a precise first-time effort into the bottom right corner, giving Sassuolo an early advantage. The home crowd rejoiced, but the game would head firmly downhill from that point on.
However, Napoli responded swiftly, equalizing in the 29th minute through Amir Rrahmani. The defender received a well-weighted pass inside the box and clinically finished with a low shot into the bottom left corner. Napoli took the lead in the 31st minute as Osimhen capitalized on a through ball to slot home past the goalkeeper with a composed finish. The visitors extended their lead just before halftime, with the Nigerian assassin grabbing his second five minutes before the break. He lifted the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper from inside the box, showcasing his clinical finishing.
Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia broke through the Sassuolo defence and supplied the ammunition for Osimhen to seal a fantastic hat-trick and make it 4-1. Kvaratskhelia once again showcased his skill by firing a precise shot inside the right post from outside the penalty area to make it five – and there was more than an hour left to be played at the Mapei Stadium!
Kvara hammered another volley into the roof of the net after his initial effort was blocked. We finally saw the return of the dynamic duo that gave Napoli the title last season. When Osimhen and Kvatatskhelia are on top form, there is hardly anyone able to stop them. The question will remain: just why has the club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis made such a mess with managerial appointments this season?
Sassuolo struggled to create meaningful chances in the second half, and Napoli comfortably saw out the game to secure a comprehensive 6-1 victory.
The result sees Napoli climb up the Serie A table, while Sassuolo will be left to regroup after a disappointing performance at home.SERIE AWednesdaySassuolo – Napoli 1-6 (1-3)/Racic 17 – Rrahmani 29, Osimhen 31, 41, 47, Kvaratskhelia 51, 75/22.45: (1.65) Inter (4.00) Atalanta (6.00)***odds are subject to change