Zurich 1, Napoli 3: Highlights and player ratings

The Partenopei got their Europa League campaign off to a winning start after a convincing 3-1 victory over Zurich. This result should see Napoli through to the last 16 assuming they take care of business in the second leg at the San Paolo. It’s clear that Ancelotti is giving this competition a high priority and fielded a very strong team despite facing a relatively weak opponent. There was none of the heavy squad rotation that many people expected to see and rotation players such as Diawara and Ounas were only given a chance to come off the bench. It will be interesting to see what changes Ancelotti will make to the squad for Sunday’s match against Torino or if he is starting to identify his first choice eleven.

Meret: 8 Didn’t have a ton to do today but made a great save in stoppage time to rescue Napoli from what would’ve been an embarrassing end to the match.

Koulibaly: 7.5 A game game as always from the defender who showed his aerial prowess a number of times tonight.

Maksimovic: 6.5 An overall solid performance and was unlucky to concede the penalty.

Ghoulam: 7.5 Looked like pre-injury Ghoulam for much of the night and was a major asset to have with his precise delivery on corners.

Malcuit: 8 Had an assist on Napoli’s second goal of the evening and provided the key pass in releasing Callejon down the right wing which led to the third goal. Should retain his place ahead of Hysaj as Napoli’s first choice right back.

Ruiz: 7.5 Looked much more comfortable on the ball than he did over the weekend and provided the link between the defense and the attack.

Allan: 7 Napoli’s midfield general had another solid match.

Zielinski: 8.5 Showed composure in front of net and took his goal extremely well. Did a great job setting up teammates throughout the match and should’ve had an assist with a clever pass to Milik in the 69th minute.

Callejon: 8 Recorded a goal and an assist today and was much more involved in the match then he’s been of late. Although it has to be said was rather fortunate on his goal which appeared to bounce up off his shin.

Milik: 7.5 Couldn’t get on the score sheet tonight but did just about everything else right tonight. Forced the turnover and earned an assist on Napoli’s first goal after pressuring the Zurich GK.

Insigne: 7.5 His first real match as club captain (now that Hamsik has officially left for China) couldn’t have gotten off to a better start when he slotted home the opening goal in the 11th minute.

Diawara: 6.5 Didn’t do anything to eye-catching but proved he can come in for Allan and get the job done.

Ounas: 6 Energetic and lively as always coming off the bench but had a great chance late in the match that he really should’ve passed to Zielinski.

Luperto: N/A