Fabio Quagliarella Wonder Strike Helps Udinese Fight Back Against Napoli

Ezequiel Lavezzi got the ball rolling for Napoli, albeit via a deflected strike. Marek Hamsik doubled the lead minutes later, but an Antonio Di Natale penalty and a wonder goal from Fabio Quagliarella ensured the points were shared in a highly entertaining clash in Naples. The result leaves both teams as they were in the Serie A standings.

First Half

The match began with a 15 minute delay following the one-year ban imposed on Napoli's Daniele Mannini for turning up late to a doping session. The game began with both teams playing a high tempo. The early chance fell to Gargano from a free kick after the midfielder was fouled. He whipped in the free kick, but it bounced straight back off the wall. Udinese came into the match full of confidence and it showed. An excellent move involving Antonio Di Natale and Gaetano D'Agostino opened up space and the midfielder struck towards goal. However his effort flew wide.

The away team enjoyed most of the early possession and Isla was unlucky not have given his side the lead after a pinpoint pass. The midfielder stopped the ball with a slick touch and tried to curl his effort into the far post, but Navarro was there to smother the danger. Ezequiel Lavezzi led the charge for his side. The Argentine was playing like a man possessed. His brilliant run and skill had Christian Zapata struggling and the Colombian defender was forced to bring 'El Pocho' down. The crowd roared for a penalty, but the foul took place outside the box, so the referee rightly awarded a free kick.

Napoli kept banging at the door and the breakthrough came as Lavezzi gave his side the lead. German Denis was left on his own down the left flank and he cut the ball back to Lavezzi who came bursting through the box. The striker scuffed his effort and it took a wicked deflection off Lukovic. Handanovic was helpless and he could only watch the ball bounce across the line.

Minutes later, the Partenopei doubled their lead through Marek Hamsik. The Slovakian, who returned from his ban, rose above the Udinese defence to power home a good header after meeting Gargano's free kick. Handanovic got his hands on the ball but it was not enough. Napoli were in cruise control. The away side, who started brightly, began to lose their shape and confidence, allowing the home side too much space and freedom. Pasquale Marino's men looked a shadow of the team which beat Juventus on Wednesday night.

Di Natale tried his luck after a good run down the left, but the shot was poor. The Bianconeri were then awarded the perfect chance to cut the deficit after Paolo Cannavaro's high foot on Zapata inside the box left the ref with no choice but to award a penalty. Di Natale stepped up and sent Handanovic the wrong way, burying his kick hard and low into the corner. The goal saw Udinese grow in stature and their confidence began to rise. It wasn't long before the Friulani equalised.

Fabio Quagliarella added his name on the score sheet with a contender for goal of the season. Isla whipped the ball across and the Italian striker, with his back to goal, performed a stunning piece of skill as he scissor-kicked the ball sending it flying into the net from outside the box. Navarro didn't move. It was a wonder striker, punishing the home side for taking their foot off the gas. The goal was so good that the whole stadium applauded.

Second Half

The coaches decided not to change their teams at half time, satisfied of what they had seen earlier. Udinese seemed happy to sit back and defend. Having got back into the game, Marino's men showed little intention to go for broke as they tried to defend their point.

Gargano tried to test Handanovic after he was brought down on the edge of the box, but he sent his effort into the wall. The Friulani were patient and they never really showed any intention of going forward. Napoli were playng a high line and kept the pressure on their opponents. Gargano's mazy run down the right allowed Hamsik to run in behind the defence, but his finish was ambitious as Handanovic saw it fly towards the floodlights.

Napoli coach Edy Reja was eager on points and his tactical choices reflected this as he took off Christian Maggio and replaced him with Marcelo Zalayeta to offer more strength up front. Udinese closed up and it was always hard for Napoli to break them down. Zalayeta's introduction offered more of an attacking threat, but he was guilty of missing some great chances.

Teams

Napoli 3-5-2: Navarro, Cannavaro, Rinaudo, Contini, Maggio(Zalayeta), Blasi, Gargano, Hamsik, Vitale, Denis, Lavezzi.

Udinese 4-4-2: Handanovic, Ferronetti(Pasquale), Zapata, Coda, Lukovic, Asamoah, Isla, D'Agostino, Inler, Quagliarella, Di Natale(Sanchez).

Goals: Lavezzi, Hamsik, Di Natale(Penalty), Quagliarella. Yellow

Cards: Quagliarella, Lukovic, Ferronetti

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

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