Napoli 1-3 Fiorentina: Victor Osimhen penalty fails to prevent Rudi Garcia's side from falling to back-to-back defeats
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ByEurosport
Updated 08/10/2023 at 22:18 GMT
Reigning champions Napoli will enter the international break in a disappointing fifth position in the Serie A table following a 3-1 home defeat to Fiorentina. Rudi Garcia’s side were hoping to bounce back after a loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, and although Victor Osimhen scored, goals by Josip Brekalo, Giacomo Bonaventura and Nicolas Gonzalez put them to the sword.
Giacomo Bonaventura esultanza, Napoli-Fiorentina, Getty Images
Image credit: Getty Images
Fiorentina stunned the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium with a well-deserved 3-1 victory over Napoli as they provided the leading Serie A clubs with a warning that they’re a serious threat at the top end of the table.
Goals from Josip Brekalo and Giacomo Bonaventura either side of Victor Osihmen penalty were enough to give the Florence side the side, and Nicolas Gonzalez wrapped up the win in stoppage-time.
The win sees Vicenzo Italiano's side leapfrog Napoli into fourth place.
The away side dominated the first half, and their attacking industry was rewarded early on when Brekalo fired home from a tight angle to put his side in front. Fiorentina found themselves in control for long periods, but they will have been frustrated when they allowed Napoli back into the game.
A casual pass back to Pietro Terracciano put the Fiorentina goalkeeper under huge pressure and he had no choice but to bring down the loitering Victor Osihmen who picked himself up to convert the penalty.
If the home crowd thought the gift from Fiorentina would lift their side, then they were wildly mistaken. Bonaventura’s neat finish restored the lead for the Florence side, and they protected their area diligently as the clock ticked down.
With Napoli chasing an equaliser, Fiorentina looked to strike on the counter and their plan paid off in stoppage time as Gonzalez finished from close range following excellent work from Fabiano Parisi.
The win lifts Fiorentina into the top four at the expense of Napoli and they’ll be looking to build on their excellent start to the campaign.
Talking point - Is Napoli's run at the top over already?
After riding high for all of last season, the Naples side have begun the new season in an average manner and they're already playing catch up to the two Milan sides. The team that entertained all of Europe last season appears to be a distant memory and unless a solid run of wins is put together in the near future, the current champions may even struggle to finish top four.
The energy from last season has been largely absent this campaign and this is a side heading in the wrong direction. Unless results drastically change, Rudi Garcia's reign in charge of Napoli could be a short one if the fans continue to endure performances such as this one.
Player of the match - Giacomo Bonaventura (Fiorentina)
Instrumental in everything positive about Fiorentina's performance at both ends of the pitch as he worked hard throughout the game and used the ball well. Goal was a nice reward for a superb performance. If Bonaventura can maintain this form then his side can have a good season.
Player ratings
NAPOLI: Meret 6, Di Lorenzo 6, Ostigard 6, Natan 6, Olivera 7, Anguisa 5, Lobotka 6, Zielinski 6, Politano 6, Osimhen 7, Kvaratskhelia 5... Subs: Cajuste 6, Lindstrom 6, Gaetano 6, Simeone 6, Zerbin, Raspadori 6.
FIORENTINA: Terracciano 7, Kayode 7, Milenkovic 8, Martinez 8, Parisi 8, Duncan 7, Melo 7, Brekalo 7, Bonaventura 9, Ikone 8, N’Zola 7... Subs: Ranieri 6, Comuzzo N/A, Infantino 6, Madragora 6, Gonzalez 7
Match highlights
7 - GOAL! – NAPOLI 0-1 FIORENTINA - An incredible start and Fiorentina have the lead. Brekalo is waiting to pounce after Nzola hits the post and he finishes from a tight angle. The home crowd have been silenced.
45+5 GOAL! - NAPOLI 1-1 FIORENTINA - Osihmen scores from the spot. It's a superb finish that gave the keeper no chance.
63 - GOAL! - NAPOLI 1-2 FIORENTINA - The ball comes to Giacomo Bonaventuta and he makes no mistake from just inside the box. The midfielder loves playing against Napoli and he adds to his tally by putting his side in front. The home crowd are stunned.
90+3 - GOAL! - NAPOLI 1-2 FIORENTINA - It's a third for Fiorentina. A superb cross into the box is finished brilliantly by Nicolas Gonzalez.
Key stat
17 - Fiorentina have earned at least 17 points after their opening eight games of a Serie A season for the third time in the three points for a win era (18 both in 1998/99 and in 2015/16 campaigns). Impressive.
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