In an emphatic return to form, Giovanni Di Lorenzo led Napoli to a convincing 3-0 victory over Bologna, putting to rest the uncertainties that surrounded him this past summer. Following a difficult 0-3 loss to Verona, the Neapolitans showcased their prowess, with crucial contributions from star players including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Giovanni Simeone.
Di Lorenzo’s opening goal came just after halftime, symbolizing not just the team’s resurgence but also his personal journey from potential departure to unwavering captaincy. After months of speculation about his future, he embraced his role, providing solidity and leadership on the pitch.
Bologna, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm. With coach Vincenzo Italiano having to make adjustments early in the match due to an injury to defender Erlic, Bologna’s organization and quality faltered, especially in the build-up phase. Their attempts to threaten Napoli’s goal were often met with resolute defending.
Napoli, under the strategic guidance of coach Antonio Conte, set the tone of the match with a strong midfield pairing of Stanislav Lobotka and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, supporting a forward line that included Politano and Kvaratskhelia behind striker Giacomo Raspadori. Early opportunities fell to Raspadori, but he was unable to convert, with Bologna’s goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski stepping up to deny him.
The first half produced limited excitement, but as the second half began, Di Lorenzo changed that with his goal in the 48th minute. Following a swift attack, Kvaratskhelia played a pivotal role, passing it to Di Lorenzo, who scored from the center of the area. This goal sent a clear message: Napoli was back.
In response, Bologna struggled to assert themselves and failed to create meaningful chances. Napoli, enjoying their lead, became increasingly confident, creating more opportunities on the counter-attack. Despite Bologna’s attempts to navigate through Napoli’s defensive setup, they found themselves on the back foot repeatedly.
Kvaratskhelia doubled Napoli’s advantage in the 75th minute with a deflected shot, showcasing his skill and vision. Shortly after, Simeone added a third goal with assistance from new signing Neres, who impressed with his early contributions.
As the final whistle blew, Napoli’s dominant display reflected their ambition and depth, while Bologna’s lack of creativity and structure left them searching for answers. Napoli continues to ride the wave of enthusiasm, with Di Lorenzo and his teammates demonstrating that they are firmly back in the race.