Napoli Player Ratings vs Empoli: Khvicha Safe from the Spot | OneFootball

Serie A title hopefuls Napoli had to dig deep to take three points against a spirited Empoli side at Stadio Carlo Castellani. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored from the spot to propel the Partenopei to a narrow 1-0 win in the lunchtime kick-off.

Interestingly, the Georgian’s penalty midway through the second half handed Napoli manager Antonio Conte his first-ever Serie A win against Empoli. However, the visitors’ performance flattered to deceive, especially before taking the lead.

Napoli were lucky to enter the halftime interval on level terms. Empoli had several decent half-chances before the break. However, after going 1-0 up, the Partenopei slammed the door shut before Elia Caprile’s goal, claiming another vital win.

A hard-fought triumph in Tuscany helped Napoli restore a three-point lead on Juventus, while they’re now five clear of Inter, who will lock horns with Roma in a blockbuster fixture later this evening.

Without further ado, let’s look at our Napoli ratings.

Napoli (4-3-2-1)

Elia Caprile – 6.5

After being forced to make four saves in the first half, the former Empoli goalkeeper had a field day in the second.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 7.5

The resurgent Napoli captain delivered another reassuring defensive performance, while his ‘never-give-up-mentality helped his team earn a match-winning penalty.

Amir Rrahmani – 6

Following a lackluster first-half showing, plagued by several misread situations and sloppy clearances, Conte’s trusted defender grew into the contest after the break.

Alessandro Buongiorno – 7.5

His defensive prowess helped Napoli weather the storm before the halftime interval. He often had to patch things up after Rrahmani’s blunders.

Leonardo Spinazzola – 6

The Italian wingback’s trademark runs down the flank were nowhere to be seen at Carlo Castellani, yet he held up his end of the bargain in defense.

Billy Gilmour – 6

It was a maiden Serie A start the Scottish midfielder must have hoped for, considering he barely had any impact on proceedings.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 6.5

Despite receiving an avoidable booking early on, the Cameroonian star had a decent game, keeping Conte’s engine room ticking over in tumultuous times.

Scott McTominay – 6.5

His work ethic is commendable, but like Gilmour, he showed next to nothing in attack, barring a hopeful effort from the edge of the box shortly after the opening goal.

Matteo Politano – 6.5

Nearly invisible for most of the match, the diminutive winger showed up once, but it was enough to send Kvaratskhelia to the spot as he drew a crucial penalty.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 6.5

Had it not been for the goal, we’d be talking about another underwhelming performance from the Georgian forward. But he won the game for his team, showing that even on an off day, he can still deliver when it matters most.

Romelu Lukaku – 5

Substitutes

Giovanni Simeone – 6