Napoli’s top preseason goalscorers, Victor Osimhen and Giovanni Simeone, found the back of the goal again as Napoli cruised past Apollon Limassol. Forza Napoli Press presents three takeaways from the 2-0 victory.
Make Space for Jack
Rudi Garcia continued to experiment with Giacomo Raspadori, searching for ways to get the forward into the starting XI. Raspadori, who was the only Napoli player to feature for the entire 90 minutes, started the match on the right wing. Consistent with Garcia’s tactical approach to wing play, the Italian international often drifted into the middle of the park to play as a “false ten” behind Victor Osimhen.
When Matteo Politano replaced Eljif Elmas at the start of the second half, Raspadori dropped to play on the right side of the midfield three. That tactical flexibility – perhaps described as an upgraded version of Elmas – might afford Raspadori the opportunity to feature more regularly for Napoli this season. The ex-Sassuolo man continues to grow and evolve, and playing in the centre of the park would add playmaking and build-up play to his repertoire.
Changing of the Guard
Mario Rui returned to the squad for the first time since suffering a thigh injury on the 24th of July against SPAL. Mathias Olivera started in his place in the interim, and might have stolen the starting role in the process. The Uruguayan linked up well with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the left side of the park. When Kvara drew two defenders, Olivera burst forward to give the Georgian an option, as he did on the opening goal of the match. Olivera’s shot-cross towards the second post was tapped in by Osimhen, scoring the first of Napoli’s two goals in the match.
New Kids on the Block
Jens-Lys Michel Cajuste and Natan Bernardo de Souza made their unofficial debuts in the second half. Cajuste replaced Piotr Zielinski in the centre of the midfield and was impressive in his 25 minutes of action. Early indications suggest that Cajuste can be a suitable backup to any of Napoli’s starting midfielders, as confirmed by Garcia after the match. Speaking to Sky Sport, the Napoli coach said, “He can play in all three positions in midfield, from playmaker to half forward. He has great technique, he gives us physicality, he’s tall, he’s able to recover balls. He will get on well with a team like ours that plays football. Glad he’s coming, he’s still young. He can still improve physically, he’s a good signing.”
Natan replaced Juan Jesus in the 68th minute. The Brazilian appeared nervous in his debut, playing the ball straight out to touch with one of his first touches. However, the ex-Bragantino man settled down and played his part in protecting the clean sheet, making a decisive clearance in the latter stages of the second half.
With Natan still learning Garcia’s tactics, his Brazilian compatriot Juan Jesus is likely to start in the opening match of the season against Frosinone. Jesus played a perfectly-weighted long ball over the top to Giovanni Simeone, who lobbed the keeper to double Napoli’s lead.
