Napoli Player Ratings vs Empoli: McTominay Channel Inner-Osimhen | OneFootball

Napoli restored a three-point deficit to Serie A pacesetters Inter with a comprehensive 3-0 home win against relegation-threatened Empoli. Antonio Conte’s charges dominated proceedings from top to bottom and, as a result, enter the final six rounds in contention for the Scudetto.

Heavily fancied to pull off a league double over Gli Azzurri, Napoli enjoyed a flying start to the match as Scott McTominay opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a sublime finish from outside the box. Empoli couldn’t recover from an early shock, as Romelu Lukaku landed a hammer blow on Roberto D’Aversa’s side at the beginning of the second half.

Indeed, after assisting the Scotland international for the deadlock-breaker, the Belgian center-forward finished off with aplomb from close range to put clear daylight between the teams. Only minutes later, Lukaku found McTominay again, with the ex-Manchester United midfielder heading the ball off the crossbar and into the net.

Empoli could find a way back into the game, as Napoli posted their third win in the last five Serie A rounds. Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.

Napoli (4-3-3)

Alex Meret – 6

Empoli only tested the Napoli goalkeeper once, but he had to pull off a fantastic diving save to thwart Sebastiano Esposito’s half-volley from well outside the box.

Pasquale Mazzocchi – 7

Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s suspension forced the ex-Torino star’s return to the starting XI. He proved he’s capable of filling in for the Napoli captain with a dynamic performance on the right flank.

Amir Rrahmani – 7.5

The Kosovo international stepped up in Alessandro Buongiorno’s absence, establishing himself as a dominant force at the back both on the ground and in the air.

Juan Jesus – 7

Like his center-back colleague, the Brazilian enjoyed a superb game. In addition to his well-documented defensive prowess, Jesus demonstrated impressive composure on the ball.

Mathias Olivera – 7

The Uruguayan full-back held his own against Empoli’s forward and picked up an assist, setting up Lukaku with a defense-splitting pass.

Billy Gilmour – 6.5

His eye-catching uptick in form after a troubled first half of the season continued as the ex-Brighton midfielder delivered another energetic showing in the center of the park.

Stanislav Lobotka – 7

A focal point of Napoli’s build-up play, the diminutive playmaker dictated the tempo with his crisp passing and intelligent positioning, keeping things ticking in midfield.

Scott McTominay – 8

What else can you expect from a box-to-box midfielder? Two goals and one assist earned the Scottish ace a ‘Man of the Match’ award.

Matteo Politano – 6.5

Despite giving Empoli’s backline all sorts of problems on the right wing, the skilled winger had nothing to show for it. However, he was a constant threat.

David Neres – 6

Far less active than Politano, the Brazilian winger struggled to impose himself on the game. While he showed flashes of flair in isolated moments, his overall influence was limited.

Romelu Lukaku – 7.5

The towering striker was too hot for D’Aversa’s defenders to handle, dismantling Empoli’s backline with his strength and spatial awareness.

Substitutes

Rafa Marin – 6.5

Leonardo Spinazzola – 6

Cyril Ngonge – N/A