Napoli 2-1 Juventus
Scorers: Insigne 26 (N), Higuain 62 (N), Lemina 63 (J
Serie A Week 6 – Saturday, 26th September – 19:45 GMT – Stadio San Paolo
Juventus looked a shadow of the title winning side of last season when they slumped to their third defeat of the campaign against a resurgent Napoli
The Bianconeri headed to Naples, knowing that only a win would do, following a dismal showing against Frosinone midweek. Stephan Lichtsteiner, Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira and Mario Mandzukic were all out while Kwadwo Asamoah returned to the squad.
Both teams started brightly but it was Napoli who threatened first as Lorenzo Insigne burst into the box but was denied by a crucual tackle by Hernanes. Simone Zaza made a great run and lobbed Pepe Reina but the Bianconeri man was flagged for offside.
Zaza’s angled drive was saved by Reina before Napoli had penalty appeals waved away after the ball bounced up onto Leo Bonucci’s hand.
Napoli took the lead seemingly out of nowhere as Insigne played a one-two with Gonzalo Higuain before firing the ball into the bottom corner of Buffon’s net.
Buffon was called into action again as he beat away an effort from Ghoulam while Reina blocked Zaza after a defensive error from the Napoli defence.
Napoli doubled the lead when a misplaced pass from Hernanes found its way to Higuain who sprinted forward and blasted effort past a stranded Buffon.
Juve pushed forward and the response was immediate as Paulo Dybala pinged a cross into the box for Mario Lemina to head home at the back post. A consolation goal in a dismal game that once again saw the Bianconeri failing to create any meaningful chances.
5….scrap that, 1 Positive:
1. Mario Lemina – His third strong performance in a row as he covered every inch of the pitch and scored his first goal of the campaign. A great display from a young midfielder who is quickly adapting to the league and doing exactly what is asked of him.
Statistics:
Formation:
Lineups:
Napoli: Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Allan, Jorginho, Hamsik (David Lopez 80); Callejon, Higuain (Gabbiadini 85), Insigne (Mertens 40)
Juventus: Buffon; Padoin (Alex Sandro 88), Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pereyra, Lemina, Pogba; Hernanes (Cuadrado 64); Zaza, Dybala (Morata 70)
Ref: Orsato
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