A first-half strike from Lobotka secures three points at the Maradona as Napoli edge past a well-organized Sassuolo on Matchday 21.
Napoli ended a run of three consecutive draws with a narrow 1-0 home win over Sassuolo, a result that keeps the reigning champions within touching distance of the top despite an unconvincing overall performance. Stanislav Lobotka proved decisive early on, while Sassuolo left Fuorigrotta with plenty of credit for their display.
The Azzurri started the match without much sparkle, but they found the breakthrough after just seven minutes. Elmas’ effort was parried by Muric, and Lobotka reacted quickest, driving the rebound into the net to give Napoli an early lead. It was enough to decide the contest, even if the performance never truly caught fire.
Napoli’s afternoon was complicated by a series of injuries in the second half. Elmas was forced off after a blow to the head, while Rrahmani and Politano both picked up muscular issues, adding to Conte’s concerns as the season progresses. The Napoli coach, suspended and watching from the stands, saw his side manage the game rather than dominate it.
Sassuolo, however, pushed Napoli’s defense throughout the match. Laurienté was a constant threat on the left, repeatedly testing Beukema, while Pinamonti worked tirelessly up front and came close to scoring on more than one occasion. Despite their pressure and tidy build-up play, the Neroverdi lacked the final touch to level the score.
At the back, Juan Jesus delivered a commanding performance, leading Napoli’s defense with authority and ensuring the early goal stood until the final whistle. The win keeps Napoli six points behind Inter, while Sassuolo’s solid showing confirms the positive trajectory of Grosso’s side despite the defeat.
Match Report
Napoli 1-0 Sassuolo
Goals:
7’ Lobotka (Napoli)
Napoli (3-4-2-1):
Milinković-Savić; Beukema (Politano 56’), Rrahmani (Buongiorno 67’), Juan Jesus; Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola; Vergara (Mazzocchi 62’), Elmas (Lang 56’); Højlund.
Coach: Conte (suspended, Stellini on the bench)
Sassuolo (4-3-3):
Muric; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemovic, Doig (Coulibaly 81’); Lipani (Moro 89’), Matic, Vranckx (Iannoni 54’); Fadera (Skjellerup 81’), Pinamonti (Cheddira 89’), Laurienté.
Coach: Grosso
Referee: Fourneau
Yellow cards: Vranckx, Iannoni (Sassuolo); Grosso (Sassuolo coach)
Red cards: None
