Friday, March 29, 2024

Empoli 4 Napoli 2: Visitors´ Champions League charge halted

SoccerNews in Serie A 30 Apr 2015

73 Views

Napoli’s surge towards Serie A’s UEFA Champions League spots was halted on Thursday as they went down 4-2 at Empoli.

Three consecutive wins had left Rafa Benitez’s side five points off third-placed Roma ahead of their game in hand at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.

However, the Spaniard could only watch on in horror as a woeful defensive showing – including two own goals – led to a sound beating.

Empoli captain Massimo Maccarone opened the scoring with a fierce low shot in the eighth minute before Riccardo Saponara’s cross ended up in the net after Napoli goalkeeper Mariano Andujar’s parry cannoned into Miguel Britos’ face to double the advantage in comical fashion.

It was three before the break through Saponara, the former Milan man acrobatically turning home on the rebound after Andujar thwarted Manuel Pucciarelli.

Vincent Laurini scored a carbon-copy own goal with 25 minutes to go, giving Napoli hope of a comeback.

But those ambitions were extinguished 10 minutes from time as another clumsy own goal, this time from Raul Albiol, left Andujar stranded.

Marek Hamsik lashed the game’s best goal past Luigi Sepe in stoppage time but it was scant consolation for Benitez.

Victory takes Empoli up to 15th in Serie A, mathematically out of the drop zone’s reaches after an impressive campaign back in the top flight that has seen them lose just nine times so far.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top