As the last title holder of the top five leagues, SSC Napoli started the new season on Saturday. It went to Frosinone Calcio, champions of Serie B last season.
The promoted team dominated the second division last year, but had to cope with a few departures in the summer. The coach is also new: Eusebio di Francesco followed Fabio Grosso during the break. However, the first competitive game of the season was also successful without the departures, with a 1-0 win against Pisa in the cup. The only change to the Serie A start: The German Cuni (comes from Bayern II, last used on loan for Saarbrücken) replaced Borelli in the storm center.
At Naples, too, there was a new man on the sidelines at the start of the new season in Spalletti’s successor, Rudi Garcia. The Frenchman could count on Osimhen, but Kvaratskhelia had to pass (muscular problems). With Raspadori (Sassuolo) and Cajuste (Stade Reims) there were two newcomers in the starting XI.
Early setback for Napoli
The latter came into focus after just five minutes when he tried to clear a corner from the hosts. The Swede played the ball, but also hit Jaime Baez from behind. Referee Matteo Marcenaro hesitated, but then decided on a penalty. Harroui didn’t miss this opportunity and sent Meret into the wrong corner (7′).
The Neapolitans then took over control of the game a little, but had to be careful against brave hosts who played along. It took a while for the guests to show the final consequences, but with the first dangerous shot Politano got the equalizer with a treacherous bounce on a dull, dry pitch (24th).
However, Frosinone didn’t let that get him down and continued playing. However, Jaime Baez missed the lead again with a volley (33rd). Raspadori did better on the other side, who put his volley in the goal a little later from a slightly shorter distance. After the celebration, however, the VAR intervened, who recognized an offside position early on and conceded the goal (36th).
However, the draw didn’t last long. Osimhen made it 2-1 for the Partenopei (42nd) with his powerful shot under the bar before the break, which was okay due to the clear improvement in performance during the first half.
Jaime Baez hits the post
But Frosinone not only kept possession balanced for a long time, but also repeatedly brought himself into his own offensive actions. After a somewhat quieter start in the second half, it was Jaime Baez who caused the first excitement. His free kick from 25 meters saved the post for Napoli (56th).
After that, the hosts didn’t have any chances. If something went towards goal, it was for Napoli, even if it was rarely mandatory there either. Osimhen (58′), Zielinski (66′) and Raspadori (72′) closed in, but couldn’t challenge Turati.
But Osimhen still had a great chance. Again it was di Lorenzo who served the Nigerian. In a one-on-one with Turati, the top scorer of the previous season remained cold as usual and made the preliminary decision (79th). Frosinone shouldn’t come much after the third goal. On the other side, Simeone, who came on for Osimhen, tried twice more (84th/86th), but could no longer overcome Turati.
So Rudi Garcia and the Neapolitans laid the foundation for the mission of defending their title with a lackluster but not undeserved 3-1 win on Matchday 1. The Partenopei continue next weekend on Sunday (8:45 p.m.) against Sassuolo. Frosinone meets Atalanta Bergamo the day before (6.30 p.m.).
