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Napoli bounced back from back-to-back defeats with a morale-boosting 2-1 home victory over Serie A underachievers Fiorentina.<\/strong><\/p>\n Napoli had a rough week. Days after an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to bitter rivals Juventus, Antonio Conte\u2019s side suffered an early UEFA Champions League elimination, as Chelsea inflicted their first home loss at Europe\u2019s top table since 2017 on Wednesday.<\/span><\/p>\n A second consecutive Scudetto for the first time in club history has become a pipe dream for the Partenopei. They were trailing table-topping Inter by nine points ahead of this evening\u2019s kick-off, and failure was not an option, especially against out-of-sorts Fiorentina.<\/span><\/p>\n Antonio Vergara inspired Napoli to a perfect start, converting a lightning-fast counter-attack in the 11th minute to open the scoring. Even though both sides created numerous scoring chances in the first half, the scoreline stayed the same at halftime.<\/span><\/p>\n However, it took Napoli only four minutes into the second half to double their lead. Miguel Gutierrez scored a sensational goal, cutting inside from the right wing before sending the ball into the far corner with pinpoint precision. Yet, Fiorentina pulled one back moments later.<\/span><\/p>\n Winter signing Manor Solomon got on the end of a fortunate rebound inside the six-yard box, slotting the ball past Alex Meret to blow the game wide open. Unfortunately for Paolo Vanoli, it proved to be a consolation goal for Fiorentina, as they failed to muster many chances for the rest of the game.<\/span><\/p>\n Alex Meret \u2013 7\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n Despite failing to keep a clean sheet, the Italian goalkeeper made four impressive saves, helping Napoli weather the storm in the first half.<\/span><\/p>\n Alessandro Buongiorno \u2013 5\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n Another disappointing performance from the former Torino center-back. Late to close down Solomon for Fiorentina\u2019s goal and picked up another silly yellow card for a cynical tackle.<\/span><\/p>\n Juan Jesus \u2013 6\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n With Amir Rrahmani out injured, Conte chose to trust the Brazilian veteran to start at the heart of his defense, and he wasn\u2019t wrong. Far more impressive than Buongiorno.<\/span><\/p>\n Giovanni Di Lorenzo \u2013 5\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n Played a more conservative role than usual and fared reasonably well before an injury forced him off midway through the first half.<\/span><\/p>\n Leonardo Spinazzola \u2013 6\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n Despite often lacking the end product, the versatile wingback showed plenty of intent on the ball, never running away from the challenge.<\/span><\/p>\n Scott McTominay \u2013 7\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n Last season\u2019s Serie A MVP soaked up the limelight as Napoli\u2019s driving force in the engine room, pulling all the strings in the absence of several standout forwards.<\/span><\/p>\n Stanislav Lobotka \u2013 6\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n Though calm and collected on the ball, the diminutive midfielder refused to seek a killer pass, frequently choosing to recycle possession sideways rather than take risks in the final third.<\/span><\/p>\n Miguel Gutierrez \u2013 8\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n You are unlikely to see a better goal in this Serie A round than this! Gutierrez\u2019s moment of brilliance eventually made all the difference, inspiring Napoli to a much-needed win.<\/span><\/p>\n Antonio Vergara \u2013 8\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n Showcased his speed and composure to break the deadlock with his first goal for the club, handing himself a major confidence boost for the rest of the game.<\/span><\/p>\n Elif Elmas \u2013 7\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n Conte\u2019s decision to field him on the left wing didn\u2019t affect his overall influence, as the versatile midfielder worked tirelessly, linked play well, and caused problems with his intelligent movement.<\/span><\/p>\n Rasmus Hojlund \u2013 6\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n While it\u2019s always difficult for a striker when there are no chances coming their way, the Danish center-forward worked hard off the ball and occupied defenders, but ultimately cut a frustrated figure in the final third.<\/span><\/p>\n Mathias Olivera \u2013 7\/10<\/strong><\/p>\nNapoli (3-4-3)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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