Udinese player ratings
Okoye 6 – Keeps an eye on Lindstrom’s tricky free-kick, then takes a nap for most of the first half. Cajuste wakes him up in the second half, but Osimhen manages to score. Can’t quite get there.
Ferreira 5 – Disastrous. Left in the dust by Cajuste and hopes not to concede a goal. Trying to jump on Osimhen when he’s on the rise is just an option. Outrageous.
Bijol 5.5 – Sends shivers down Meret’s spine with a turn. Marking Osimhen is the Herculean task of the evening, but loses him on the winning header due to Ferreira’s disruption.
Kristensen 6 – Never loses his bearings against Politano and Osimhen’s bursts. The only redeemable player in defense.
Ehizibue 5 – Gets tangled up on his own. Succumbs to fear when under pressure, still needs to mature in decision-making. Subbed off in the 69th minute, Ebosele 5.5 – A bit clumsy, but at least tries different offensive forays.
Walace 6 – Puts on his helmet and wields his shield to shield any stray balls. Doesn’t falter even in a tough challenge with Osimhen. The gladiator of the Bluenergy Stadium.
Zarraga 5.5 – A newcomer in midfield in place of the suspended Payero. Often disregards pleasantries and clears dangers. Shows a couple of attacking runs, lacks quality in some of his passes.
Kamara 5 – He has the legs to cover the left flank but lacks the finesse to serve his teammates well. Too soft on Politano’s assist. Off his game. Zemura from the 88th minute – A substitution made a bit late for the final moments of the match.
Samardzic 6 – Doesn’t stutter tactically, but his engine was off in the first half. As time went on, he found his rhythm and Udinese played better.
Brenner 5.5 – A controversial choice as he takes Pereyra’s place. The connection with Samardzic needs work, a couple of graceful moves and nothing more. He still has a lot to learn. Success from the 53rd minute 7 – His entrance onto the field was striking. Like a ready-to-explode TNT, he broke through the defense in the final scramble and scored the equalizing goal.
Lucca 5.5 – Constantly under pressure from Ostigard, he spreads his wings to make room. It’s a shame he couldn’t find the goal. Damp gunpowder. Davis from the 64th minute 6 – He fires a shot towards the near post but Meret defuses it. A solid impact.
Coach – Fabio Cannavaro 6.5 – The son of Naples doesn’t let emotions get the best of him and secures an important point for survival. In injury time, with the strength of desperation. Udinese leapfrogs Sassuolo by +1, with Empoli trailing by two points. As long as there’s a fight, there’s hope.
Napoli player ratings
Meret 6.5 – Quick against Davis, confident in his exits, shows personality in his play. A season on the rise, with ups and downs, but faultless today.
Di Lorenzo 6 – A typical Di Lorenzo performance. Often ventures into the box, solid defensively. Decent.
Rrahmani 6 – The first to initiate plays, handles different vertical passes well, keeping a good eye on Lucca.
Ostigard 5.5 – Doesn’t read the situation well and perhaps wasn’t positioned perfectly for Success’s goal. The only blemish in a game where he at least impressed in aerial duels.
Olivera 5.5 – Among the standout players, showing promise and good defensive reads, but only for a half. Less impactful in the second half and also caught out for the late goal.
Anguissa 5.5 – Plays with the handbrake on for a half. Operates in a very restricted area for someone of his abilities.
Lobotka 6.5 – Plays like he has a joystick in hand. Sees spaces better than others, directing his teammates in build-up play. Draws opponents and indicates passing options. Crucial tactically.
Cajuste 6 – Calzona asks for more mobility, so he forgets his previous holding role and gains in dynamism and danger. From the 73rd minute, Traorè not rated.
Politano 6.5 – The pass to Osimhen in the goal-scoring move is a delight. Sixth assist of a season where he has undoubtedly been among Napoli’s best.
Osimhen 7 – A powerful header, reminiscent of the goal he scored a year ago that sealed the Scudetto. He also scores a second beautiful goal, unfortunately disallowed. He reaches 18 goals this season, aiming for 20. In Serie A, he has 15 goals in 23 appearances, maintaining one of the best averages in the league. The numbers speak for themselves.
Lindstrom 5.5 – Takes a while to shake off the rust. Perhaps trying too hard due to limited playtime, leading to errors, especially in the first half. Shows slight improvement in the second half.
Coach – Francesco Calzona 5.5 – There is a clear issue with consistency. Napoli falters initially but shows promise in the second half, only to squander it with a collective lapse in focus towards the end. Another missed opportunity, adding to a season filled with regrets.
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