Bologna started off brightly and managed to keep the Napoli attackers quiet in the opening moments. That was until around midway through the half when Kvicha Kvaratskhelia began to pull the strings and display why he is one of the most talked about players in Europe right now. The Georgian created chance after chance, first slipping Giacomo Raspadori through with a slick deft touch, but the Italian’s shot flew just wide. Then Mário Rui and Matteo Politano both had great chances to open the scoring thanks to Kvaratskhelia producing excellent passes, but their shots flew high and wide.
The visitors then shocked the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in the 41st minute when Joshua Zirkzee swept Andrea Cambiaso’s cross in, marking his first goal in Italian football. They would have wanted to go into the HT break with their lead, but that plan fell through in minute 45 as Juan Jesus took advantage of a loose ball following Politano’s corner to send them into the break on level terms. Napoli then took the lead just a few minutes into the second half when Kvaratskhelia once again dribbled through the Rossoblù defence before shooting on goal, which was saved, but Hirving Lozano was on hand to fire in the rebound.
The home fans were stunned once again though as the visitors immediately equalised through Musa Barrow’s long-distance shot that flew past Alex Meret, despite it looking like a routine save to make. Knowing only a win would see them go clear at the top of the table, Napoli created a barrage of attacks, and they eventually found a third goal. Kvaratskhelia’s sublime defence-splitting pass sent Victor Osimhen through on goal, and the Nigerian made no mistake firing past Łukasz Skorupski.
The attacking onslaught continued from Napoli as they tried to extend their lead and wrap up all three points. Piotr Zieliński came close to adding a deserved fourth goal, but his flying effort crashed off the crossbar. Luciano Spalletti’s side remained in control of the final minutes to secure a 10th consecutive victory in all competitions. Whilst Bologna’s struggles continue, with just one win in 10.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Kvicha Kvaratskhelia (SSC Napoli)
