NAPLES (ITALPRESS) – Napoli does not go beyond a 1-1 draw against Udinese at the “Maradona”: McTominay’s lead is answered by Ekkelenkamp’s goal. Brusque braking for the Azzurri: tomorrow night Inter, on stage against Fiorentina, has the chance to shorten the distance from the leader.
The Juventus team immediately tries to make itself dangerous in 3′ with a shot by Thauvin on the developments of a corner, on which Meret’s intervention is decisive. Three minutes later comes the answer of Antonio Conte’s boys, with McTominay’s header on Politano’s cross, which is parried by Sava. On 10′ the visiting team goes close to the lead with Lucca who, on an assist from Thauvin, anticipates Di Lorenzo and grazes the post to Meret’s left. At 16′ it is a touch by Ekkelenkamp that creates problems for the Campania defense, but Meret is once again ready. Napoli tries to shake it off and at 23′ comes to the conclusion with Politano, who from a good position fails to hit the goal mirror. At 37′, after having previously missed a resounding chance, Scott McTominay put the Azzurri ahead with a header on the development of a corner.
Not even time to celebrate for the partenopei that Udinese grabs the equalizer at 40′ thanks to Jurgen Ekkelenkamp: mistake of the Azzurri defense with a missed deflection, followed by a revisable Mazzocchi, who gives the ball to Karlstrom, assist for the Dutchman who deposits the ball in the back of the net. It goes, therefore, to rest on the partial 1-1. In the opening repesa Udinese starts off strong with a right-footed shot from the distance by Lovric, which is deflected by Meret. Napoli struggles to find an opening in the opponent’s half, so it tries with shots from outside the box by Neres and McTominay, which, however, turn out to be inaccurate. Conte tries to shake up his team by bringing in fresh forces from the bench, but the result remains locked at 1-1. In the final to try with more conviction are the Friulians, who create a bit of trouble in the hosts’ rearguard. At the time of the triple whistle no one manages to prevail, so at the “Maradona” the contest ends on the score of 1-1. The Azzurri will be back on the pitch Saturday at 6 p.m. in the big-match at the Olimpico against Lazio; while the Bianconeri next Sunday will host Empoli at the Bluenergy Stadium.
– photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
Napoli stints: 1-1 at home against Udinese
