Napoli and Fiorentina played to a scoreless draw on Sunday evening at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Neither club found the back of the goal in what was a highly contested match where each side earned a hard-fought point.
So, what did we learn from Napoli’s 0-0 draw versus Fiorentina?
Dodo Defended Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Very Well
Much of the talk around Napoli in recent weeks has been about their new star forward, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Kvaratskhelia was acquired from Dinamo Batumi to replace Lorenzo Insigne, who joined Major League Soccer club Toronto FC after ten seasons with Napoli.
Kvaratskhelia has had a strong start with his new club, scoring three goals and contributing one assist in the two matches prior to Napoli’s trip to Florence. However, aside from a cross to Hirving Lozano early in the second half, the Georgian was largely ineffective on Sunday. That was due to the performance of Fiorentina left-back Dodo, who also arrived in Italy during the summer transfer market.
Like Kvaratskhelia, Dodo has shown positive signs with Fiorentina and looks like another player that could have a strong year in Serie A. Kvaratskhelia struggled in the final third as he generated very few opportunities to score. The winger was dispossessed twice, lost control of the ball five times and lacked his usual creativity in the final third.
Dodo used his pace and awareness to limit the space available for Kvaratskhelia, making it a difficult match for the Georgian. As a result, it was an unusually quiet performance for Kvaratskhelia, who has already created high expectations for himself.
Napoli’s Offense Cools Down
What was expected to be a high scoring game never came to fruition at the Franchi. Napoli and Fiorentina defended well at both ends of the pitch, giving their opponents minimal time or space on the ball. Additionally, neither side were clinical as Riccardo Sottil and Lozano squandered opportunities for their respective clubs.
Lozano wasted a free header from close range while Sottil, who attacked from the left flank, was denied on several occasions by Napoli goalkeeper, Alex Meret. Napoli started the season red hot, having scored nine goals heading into this match. Although the offense was lackluster and Napoli failed to convert their limited chances, they will be encouraged about their defensive performance.
This position was an area of concern heading into the season as Kalidou Koulibaly was sold to English Premier League side, Chelsea FC. However, Napoli has managed back-to-back clean sheets and conceded only two goals through three matches this season. They have looked composed, maintained their structure and have limited their mistakes.
Though Napoli will look back at their missed opportunities, the defense stepped up to earn a vital point.
Kim Min-jae Settling In With Napoli
It hasn’t taken long for newly acquired centre-back, Kim Min-jae to settle in at Napoli. After three games with the club, he has been one of their most reliable players. He had a standout performance versus Fiorentina, providing stability in the backend. As the game progressed, Kim became more confident and determined in his game.
Kim showed great maturity and made key challenges when needed. The centre-back has shown a good read for the game as he came off the line on several occasions to disrupt the Fiorentina attack to regain possession or start a counterattack. He finished the match with two tackles, three interceptions, five clearances and zero fouls committed.
It was a disciplined game from Kim, who was quick to track back and get back into position when he conceded possession. While the season is still young, Kim has shown that he could be a quality replacement for Koulibaly.
