Napoli 1:1 Casertana Player Ratings: Matteo Politano’s Superb Goal Sees Napoli Draw Against Serie C’s Casertana

Serie A champions faltered again in their pre-season after drawing 1-1 against Serie C side Casertana. scored an equaliser after going down early in the game. Michele Vano headed home to give Casertana a shock lead, but Matteo Politano scored a superb solo goal to level the game. Despite Napoli's stars making it onto the pitch in the second half, there was no separating the sides as Casertana defended admirably well.

Napoli started the game on the front foot but failed to open the scoring. Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku and Giuseppe D'Angelo had fantastic attempts saved by the goalkeeper. The third division side stunned the Italian champions when they stormed into the lead from a corner through their striker Vano. However, Napoli later found their groove when Politano scored a fantastic solo goal after cutting inside from the right flank. The equaliser set up a fine second half to decide the winner. Napoli tried everything in the book to score the winner in the second half. Lukaku went close from a free kick from just outside the box, but it was well dealt with by the goalkeeper. Despite a flurry of substitutions and late chances, Casertana defended resolutely. The third division side even had some moments to complete a smash-and-grab victory, but failed to take them. Here are the Napoli vs Casertana Player Ratings.

Napoli Player Ratings

Here are the Napoli Player Ratings from Napoli vs Casertana Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Alex Meret-6/10

After not making a save for a long period of time, he was beaten at his near post from a corner. Was replaced at halftime.

Defenders

Pasquale Mazzocchi-7/10

Played as a centre-back at times as his side resembled a back three at times. His physicality and ball playing shone bright.

Alessandro Zanoli-6/10

He showed promise in glimpses, but for the goal his side conceded, he was nowhere close enough to close down Vano.

Nosa Edward Obaretin-7/10

The defender enjoyed another great pre-season game. He was assured in his tackles, and his ball playing stood out as he passed it like a midfielder.

Guiseppe D'Angelo-7/10

Had a great chance to open the scoring when he ghosted into the box, but it was well saved. Did his job defensively.

Midfielders

Coli Saco-7/10

The lanky midfielder was full of ideas as he used his dribbling and ball control to keep finding new angles for his side to attack.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa-6.5/10

He crashed the box and was tasked with opening the scoring. However, he was stopped in his tracks.

Luis Hasa-7/10

Took responsibility for the tempo control as he ran the show. Fired a couple of delicious attempts from outside the box and kept ticking the play.

Forwards

Matteo Politano-8/10

Scored a fantastic goal after bursting between the gates of two players on the right-hand side. Was very direct in his approach.

Romelu Lukaku-7/10

His linkup play was the highlight of the game as he kept bringing others into play. Came close with a volley in the first half that was well saved.

Lorenzo Sgarbi-6.5/10

Kept the width on the left side and was asking questions with excellent crosses and dribbles.

Substitutions

Nikita Contini-6/10

Billy Gilmour-6/10

Scott McTominay-6/10

Luca Marianucci-6/10

David Neres-6/10

Giovanni Simeone-6/10

Manager

Antonio Conte-7/10

His side's pre-season form is not the best in the world, but wouldn't be too concerned knowing stars are yet to arrive in the eleven. That said, there were promising moments in attack from the youngsters on the field.

Casertana Player Ratings

Here are Casertana Player Ratings from Napoli vs Casertana Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Alessandro Zanellati-7.5/10

Produced a brilliant save to deny D'Agelo from close range. Stood no chance when Politano drilled it from close range.

Defenders

Manuel Llano-6/10

Threw himself to block a certain goal when the game was 0-0. Did well to track back and keep Sgarbi quiet.

Ivan Kontek-7/10

Defended the box supremely. Especially his tussles with Lukaku were quite eye-catching as the striker went stride for stride.

Loris Bacchetti-7/10

Impressively held his own when the opposition was bombing the box with crosses. Did well to deal with late runners.

Matteo Falasca-6/10

The full-back was twisted and turned by Politano for the equaliser. He attacked well when he had the chance.

Midfielders

Francesco Deli-6.5/10

Intercepted multiple counters, but he was helpless when Politano cut right past him to score his first goal.

Salvatore Pezzella-7/10

Threatened with his set pieces and delivered a fantastic cross to open the scoring for his side.

Forwards

Mirco Carretta-6.5/10

Peeled wide and then cut onto his left foot to send dangerous crosses into the box.

Federico Proia-5/10

He was given the attacking freedom to roam the pitch, but was well dealt with not to cause any trouble.

Accuriso Bentivegna-5.5/10

He kept running into roadblocks when he tried to set his side on counters. Failed to take a couple of promising counters.

Michele Vano-7.5/10

Used his physicality to press the centre-backs and scored an excellent header to open the scoring from a corner.

Substitutions

Leonardo Di Tommaso-6/10

Kevin Leone-6/10

Ciro Capasso-6/10

Vincenzo Arzillo-6/10

Manager

Federico Coppitelli-6/10

Set his side up brilliantly without taking the opponent into consideration. His players expressed themselves freely, knowing they had each other's backs.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match: Matteo Politano