Sinisa Mihajlovic’s Sampdoria side went very close to recording a vital win over Napoli after Eder had put them in front, but Duvan Zapata’s late equaliser ensured 10-man Napoli left the Stadio Ferraris with a vital point.
The Blucerchiati controlled an intriguing first half and took the lead early in the second after a great strike by Eder from outside the box. Kalidou Koulibaly’s sending off added to Rafa Benitez’s woes, but substitute Zapata headed in from close range with only minutes remaining.
Sampdoria
Sergio Romero – 6 – Frustrated
Made a great save to stop Higuain in the first half but looked uncomfortable on the ball at times. Will be disappointed with Napoli’s late equaliser.
Lorenzo De Silvestri – 6.5 – Adventurous
The full back remained solid in defence and put in some important challenges while proving a good attacking outlet on the right flank.
Matias Silvestre – 6 – Solid
Sampdoria’s defence had remained resilient and organised all night and Silvestre was at the centre of their good work.
Alessio Romagnoli – 5.5 – Culpable
Was at fault for Napoli’s late equaliser as he failed to deal with a cross, an area that had been causing him problems all evening.
Djamel Mesbah – 6.5 – Disciplined
Made an exceptional goal-saving tackle in the first half and was another important cog in the organised Samp defence.
Luca Rizzo – 6.5 – Energetic
Helped the Sampdoria midfield control the first half with good forward runs and good positional play.
Angelo Palombo – 6.5- Commanding
Had an excellent first half in which he dictated play, but failed to exert himself on the game to the same extent in the second period.
Pedro Obiang – 5.5 – Aggressive
Removed at half time after picking up a yellow card and risking expulsion, while failing to make any real impact on the game.
Roberto Soriano – 6 – Supportive
Was at the centre of most of Sampdoria’s attacking play but failed to make any decisive impact. Faded in the second half before being replaced.
Eder – 7 – Livewire
The forward had another excellent game, scoring a fantastic goal in the second half and giving the Napoli backline problems at every opportunity.
Stefano Okaka – 7 – Strong
The Italian international held the ball up exceptionally well and was too much of a physical threat for Napoli’s defenders to handle.
Substitutes
Alfred Duncan – 7 – Inventive
The substitute impressed after his introduction, putting in a good defensive shift and going forward well as he set up a good chance for Eder
Nenad Krsticic – N/A
Manolo Gabbiadini – N/A
Napoli
Rafael – 6 – Unaccountable
In truth the Napoli keeper did not have many saves to make and was not accountable for an excellent striker by Eder.
Christian Maggio – 6 – Quiet
The full back adventured forward from time to time, but did not have a major influence on the game although defensively he was solid.
Raul Albiol – 5.5 – Nervous
Like his defensive partner, he struggled with the threat of Okaka all night and looked nervous at the neat interplay between him and Eder.
Kalidou Koulibaly – 5 – Calamitous
The centre back struggled all night with Okaka’s physical presence and when he picked up a second yellow card, it seemed almost inevitable.
Miguel Britos – 5.5 – Uncomfortable
Struggled a little with the constant threat coming down his flank from the likes of De Silvestri and Okaka and was replaced after conceding the opening goal.
Gokhan Inler – 6 – Tenacious
Put in a decent defensive shift but failed to drive his team forward or retain possession in the middle of the park.
David Lopez – 6 – Ghostly
His presence in the centre of midfield was not nearly strong enough to allow Napoli to compete for possession and the side suffered, particularly in the first half, as a result.
Jose Callejon – 7 – Bright
The Spaniard offered Napoli’s brightest promise going forward and created several opportunities, but was ultimately let down by those around him.
Marek Hamsik – 5 – Inconspicous
The captain was unable to influence the game, drifting in and out to little effect before being substituted with his side searching an equaliser.
Faouzi Ghoulam – 6 – Versatile
Surprisingly began the game as a left winger and failed to trouble the Sampdoria defence, before dropping back to left back in the second half where he settled well.
Gonzalo Higuain – 5 – Toothless
The Argentine striker did not have a game to remember, snatching at his chances and failing to get involved in the game.
Substitutes
Dries Mertens – 5 – Invisible
The Belgian was brought on with the hope of injecting some attacking impetus but in reality failed to make any sort of impact at all.
Jorginho – 6.5 – Composed
Helped Napoli get a hold of the ball and drive them forward, but missed a good chance to equalise.
Duvan Zapata – 6.5 – Decisive
Did what was required of him, coming off the bench late on to head in from close range and earn his side a valuable point.
