Napoli‘s aspirations for a top-four finish in Serie A were dealt a blow on Sunday when they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by relegation-threatened Frosinone.

Napoli are now eighth with 49 points, putting them 10 points behind Bologna in the fourth Champions League spot with six rounds left. Frosinone are in 18th — a relegation place — with 27 points. 

Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

Serie A looks likely to get a fifth Champions League place via the UEFA coefficient system, but Napoli are now six points behind AS Roma in fifth, with the Giallorossi having played one game fewer.

The hosts relentlessly bombarded the Frosinone goal until Matteo Politano‘s 16th-minute curler from the edge of the box secured the lead for Napoli.

Victor Osimhen’s 13th Serie A goal of the season was not enough for Napoli to beat Frosinone.

Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images


Minutes later, Victor Osimhen had the chance to double Napoli’s lead as he sprinted free towards the goal, but his shot went just wide.

Frosinone were awarded a penalty at the half-hour mark after Amir Rrahmani tackled Walid Cheddira but Matìas Soulè‘s attempt was saved.

The visitors grew more active under the warm Naples sun, mustering several attempts on goal, but Napoli keeper Alex Meret remained in control until the break.

Five minutes into the second half, Frosinone equalised through Cheddira after Meret’s half-hearted clearance bounced off Soule, setting up an easy finish into the empty net.

Napoli regained the lead in the 63rd minute when a deflected strike from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was tapped in by Osimhen near the goal line, but Cheddira secured his brace with a header in the 73rd to share the spoils between the two teams.

Mario Rui capped a lacklustre day for Napoli by being sent off deep into stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on the counter-attacking Demba Seck.


Source link