On Wednesday, SSC Napoli played its first friendly match at Castel di Sangro. The Azzurri welcomed an Adana Demirspor club that featured a few familiar faces, including coach Vincenzo Montella – a former teammate and player for Luciano Spalletti – ex-Napoli player Gökhan Inler and former Italy international striker Mario Balotelli.
Spalletti used the opportunity to assess his new players and those competing for a place in the squad. Aside from goalkeeper Alex Meret, central defender Leo Østigård was the only Napoli player to play the full 90 minutes. Though the Norwegian put in a good shift, including playing a gorgeous long ball in the build-up to Napoli’s first goal, he was largely responsible for Adana’s equalizer in the 74th minute. Østigård was unable to shepherd the ball out for a goal kick and moments later, Adana were awarded a penalty kick.
Gianluca Gaetano played the first 45 minutes of the match and demonstrated a strong understanding of Spalletti’s system. Gaetano, who helped Cremonese earn promotion to Serie A in 2021/22, provided a useful link between the defense and the attack. The midfielder was involved in multiple, one-touch exchanges with Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa and Stanislav Lobotka to progress the ball forward.
Georgian wonderkid Khvicha Kvaratskhelia continues to be Napoli’s most impressive signing. His pace, quick feet and close ball control were on display yet again. The connection between Kvaratskhelia and Hirving Lozano on the opening goal was reminiscent of a play used often by their predecessors, Lorenzo Insigne and Jose Maria Callejon.
Primavera striker Giuseppe Ambrosino replaced Victor Osimhen at the start of the second half, but did not make any meaningful contributions. When asked about the young striker after the match, Spalletti said Ambrosino is still young and was given time so he can see the difference in play at the senior level compared to at the Primavera.
Alessio Zerbin and Mathias Olivera both made appearances off the bench midway through the second half. Though he’s naturally a winger, Zerbin replaced Giovanni Di Lorenzo at right back, which could be an indication that Spalletti is adapting Zerbin to a new role.
Meanwhile, Olivera made his first appearance for Napoli since recovering from a knee sprain he suffered while playing for the Uruguay national team. Olivera made a clumsy challenge on Yusuf Sari to concede Adana’s second penalty kick of the match.
Napoli appeared to be heading towards a 2-1 loss, but in stoppage time Lozano’s shot deflected off two Adana players and ended up in the back of the goal. Napoli will return to play a friendly against RCD Mallorca on Sunday.
