UCL | Napoli 2-3 Chelsea – Player Ratings – Joao Pedro masterclass eliminates Napoli
Napoli crashed out of the Champions League on Wednesday evening, following a 3-2 loss at home to Premier League side Chelsea, with Joao Pedro scoring twice in Naples.
Despite fighting back from 1-0 down to lead 2-1 at half-time, the Blues pulled off a comeback of their own in the second half.
Football Italia’s Player of the Match was Joao Pedro.
Napoli 2-3 Chelsea – Player Ratings as Joao Pedro shines
Napoli: Meret 5.5; Buongiorno 5.5, Di Lorenzo 6, Juan Jesus 5 (Gutierrez 5.5); Spinazzola 6 (Beukema N/A), Lobotka 5.5, McTominay 5.5, Olivera 7.5; Vergara 7, Elmas 5.5 (Lukaku N/A); Hojlund 6.5
Best Napoli Player: Mathias Olivera – Two assists for the Uruguayan tonight in what was a competent performance from the 28-year-old. He was solid defensively too, winning a majority of his duels. A special nod must go to Vergara, mind you, for his excellent goal.
Lowest Napoli Rating: Juan Jesus – His handball led to Chelsea’s penalty and he gave Joao Pedro far too much time on the ball for the goal that tied the game up. Was eventually substituted for Gutierrez.
Coach: Antonio Conte 5.5 – Hard not to feel a little sorry for the coach, given Napoli’s decimated squad but his decision to try and protect the lead at half-time ended up costing them dearly. As soon as Napoli came off the front foot, Chelsea had more and more space and time to grow into the game.
Chelsea: Sanchez 6.5; Gusto 5.5 (Chalobah 6), James 7, Fofana 6, Cucurella 6; Caicedo 6.5, Santos 6.5 (Gittens 5.5); Estevao 5.5 (Ganarcho 6), Fernandez 7.5, Neto 6 (Palmer 8); Joao Pedro 9
Best Chelsea Player: Joao Pedro – Who else? Two spectacular goals from the Brazilian completed Chelsea’s comeback. Showed his desire and work ethic too tonight, working hard all over the pitch.
Lowest Chelsea Rating: Estevao – Fluffed a good chance by ignoring a clear pass to Joao Pedro when Chelsea were trailing. Looked unable to get the better of his marker on several occasions.
Coach: Liam Rosenior 7.5 – Whilst his initial selection left something to be desired, his substitutions brought new life into the game and the coach outmatched the experienced Conte this evening.