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Played
February 13, 2012 2:45 PM EST
Stadio San Paolo — Napoli
Referee: G. Gava
Attendance: 25000
February 13, 2012 2:45 PM EST
Stadio San Paolo — Napoli
Referee: G. Gava
Attendance: 25000
Top of the Match
Gianluca Grava
Napoli
Napoli
Edinson Cavani
Napoli
Napoli
Flop of the Match
Alberto Paloschi
Chievo
Chievo
Michael Bradley
Chievo
Chievo
Goal.com Rating 
Fans' Rating Napoli 2-0 Chievo: Britos and Cavani strike as Walter Mazzarri's side record first Serie A win in six matches
The Uruguayan forward scored as the home side dominated the encounter to boost its hopes of European qualification
By Nick Valerio
Getty Images
Champions League hopeful Napoli collected its first league win in six matches thanks to a convincing 2-0 victory over Chievo at Stadio San Paolo in Monday evening’s Serie A encounter.
Strikes by Miguel Britos and Edinson Cavani were enough to ensure that the Partenopei gained ground on the top three positions in the table, as they aim to return to Europe's top competition next season.
The result was a fair reflection on the performance of the hosts, as Cavani dominated the opposing defense from the offset, linking in tandem with attacking partner Ezequiel Lavezzi throughout.
The match was played in a positive fashion, as both sides looked to improve upon their recent form, with Napoli searching for their Serie A victory since January 8. The Flying Donkeys were looking for a second successive win that would help them close the gap on their rivals and gain some breathing space from the drop zone.
The opening stages saw both sides grapple to assert their dominance, with Argentine Lavezzi looking particularly bright for the home team, but neither goalkeeper was troubled.
Napoli’s supremacy was felt in the 15th minute as Uruguayan defender Britos opened the scoring with a thumping header, having been totally unmarked following a fine corner from Lavezzi.
As the first half wore on, the hosts continued to express themselves with Gokhan Inler controlling the midfield and Marek Hamsik in ominous mood.
Chievo struggled to grasp control of the game and its only chance of note in the first half fell to Pellissier. The veteran’s tame shot was directed straight at home custodian Morgan De Sanctis, who had little else to do in the first half.
Hamsik played a key role in Napoli clinching the match. The Slovakian slid through a perfect through ball to colleague Cavani who was subsequently fouled from behind by visiting keeper Stefano Sorrentino.
There were suspicions of offside, but Cavani stepped up to coolly send Sorrentino the wrong way and slot home his 13th strike of the campaign and stretch the Partenopei’s lead.
The second half saw a continuation of the first as lethal trident Lavezzi, Cavani and Hamsik continued to link up superbly. As a result, Di Carlo made his first change just after the hour mark as the ineffectual Paloschi was substituted for Davide Moscardelli. The forward was immediately involved, on the receiving end of a tough tackle from Grava. This resulted in a yellow card for the defender.
The half brought about a more even contest, as Napoli seemed content to hold its two-goal advantage. Chievo did improve but didn’t create the chances required to get itself back into the game.
The result sees Napoli close the gap on its fellow European challengers while Chievo continues to struggle just below midtable. The win also gives Walter Mazzarri’s side a timely boost ahead of its Champions League clash with Chelsea.
Strikes by Miguel Britos and Edinson Cavani were enough to ensure that the Partenopei gained ground on the top three positions in the table, as they aim to return to Europe's top competition next season.
The result was a fair reflection on the performance of the hosts, as Cavani dominated the opposing defense from the offset, linking in tandem with attacking partner Ezequiel Lavezzi throughout.
The match was played in a positive fashion, as both sides looked to improve upon their recent form, with Napoli searching for their Serie A victory since January 8. The Flying Donkeys were looking for a second successive win that would help them close the gap on their rivals and gain some breathing space from the drop zone.
The opening stages saw both sides grapple to assert their dominance, with Argentine Lavezzi looking particularly bright for the home team, but neither goalkeeper was troubled.
Napoli’s supremacy was felt in the 15th minute as Uruguayan defender Britos opened the scoring with a thumping header, having been totally unmarked following a fine corner from Lavezzi.
As the first half wore on, the hosts continued to express themselves with Gokhan Inler controlling the midfield and Marek Hamsik in ominous mood.
Chievo struggled to grasp control of the game and its only chance of note in the first half fell to Pellissier. The veteran’s tame shot was directed straight at home custodian Morgan De Sanctis, who had little else to do in the first half.
Hamsik played a key role in Napoli clinching the match. The Slovakian slid through a perfect through ball to colleague Cavani who was subsequently fouled from behind by visiting keeper Stefano Sorrentino.
There were suspicions of offside, but Cavani stepped up to coolly send Sorrentino the wrong way and slot home his 13th strike of the campaign and stretch the Partenopei’s lead.
The second half saw a continuation of the first as lethal trident Lavezzi, Cavani and Hamsik continued to link up superbly. As a result, Di Carlo made his first change just after the hour mark as the ineffectual Paloschi was substituted for Davide Moscardelli. The forward was immediately involved, on the receiving end of a tough tackle from Grava. This resulted in a yellow card for the defender.
The half brought about a more even contest, as Napoli seemed content to hold its two-goal advantage. Chievo did improve but didn’t create the chances required to get itself back into the game.
The result sees Napoli close the gap on its fellow European challengers while Chievo continues to struggle just below midtable. The win also gives Walter Mazzarri’s side a timely boost ahead of its Champions League clash with Chelsea.
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Results
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Striker Milan |
28 | 10 |
|
Diego Alberto Milito
Striker Inter |
24 | 8 |
|
Antonio Di Natale
Striker Udinese |
23 | 4 |
|
Edinson Cavani
Striker Napoli |
23 | 3 |
|
R. Palacio
Striker Genoa |
19 | 3 |