Adriana Gomes’ header was enough to see Napoli CF past Chievo Verona Women and take sole possession of first place in Serie B Femminile.
Lineup
Dimitri Lipoff made three changes to the squad he fielded against Apulia Trani. Martina Di Bari started over Paola Di Marino on the right side of the centreback pairing. Sara Tui shifted over to the left side of the midfield trio and Claudia Mauri started on the right, relegating Lucia Strisciuglio to the bench. Finally, Romina Pinna replaced Serena Landa on the right wing, allowing Sara Tamborini to get her first start of the season, playing on the left wing.
Match
This battle between Serie B Femminile’s top two clubs was played at a frenetic pace, with chances at either end of the pitch.
Napoli opened the scoring in the 27th minute with Gomes heading in the cross from Melissa Nozzi. Gomes continued her hot start to season, with her second goal in Serie B and her fourth in all competitions.
Chievo nearly equalized just past the half-hour mark, but Matilde Copetti stayed focused and pushed away the Alessandra Massa lob destined for the top corner of the goal.
The Partenopee came close to doubling their lead shortly after the restart. Melissa Nozzi was first to Claudia Mauri’s in-swinging corner kick, but her volley with the instep of her right boot crashed off the bar and stayed out.
Though Chievo pushed for the equalizer, Napoli did well to limit the away side’s opportunities. Midway through the second half, Copetti made an important save on Stefania Dallagiacoma’s half-volley from outside the area. Otherwise, the Napoli goalkeeper was hardly tested.
With the 1-0 victory, Napoli moved to the top of the Serie B Femminile table, two points clear of Lazio and three points clear of Cittadella, Cesena and Chievo.
The Partenope will have an extra week off before playing 13th-placed Ravenna Women on October 16.
Post-Match
Melissa Nozzi, who assisted on the goal and hit the bar in the second half, spoke after the match.
“I was hoping to repeat Trento’s goal but the crossbar said no. Luckily, I had previously picked Adriana for the one to zero. We took home three important points against a valued opponent such as Chievo. We are working hard and well, we are a very cohesive group both off and on the pitch and this is also demonstrated by the fact that we have not conceded goals in the last two games, applying all of us in the defensive phase”
