Napoli Draw Against Atalanta in First Leg of Coppa Italia Semi-Final
Napoli secured a 0-0 draw against Atalanta in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final.
In spite of seeing more of the possession, Gli Azzurri will feel lucky to have grabbed a draw against Atalanta who enjoyed many of the matches’ best goal-scoring chances.
In fact, Napoli had only two shots on goal, while their opponents had four, as well as seventeen shots that did not hit the target.
Gennaro Gattuso opted for a slightly different tactical plan tonight, choosing a 4-3-3 formation, with Lorenzo Insigne playing a more advanced position than usual on the right-side flank.
However, Napoli suffered in terms of their use of possession with passes frequently intercepted by the opposition. Diego Demme and Tiemoue Bakayoko played in the central of the midfield and struggled. It should be noted that regularly both play as hold-midfielders often competing for the same spot in the squad.
Meanwhile Atalanta opted for a 3-4-1-2 formation choosing to field many of the team’s best players. Luis Muriel was particularly dangerous in front of goal as was Josip Ilicic who entered the game as a substitute.
The result sees Napoli able to prepare for the second leg showdown. The match will, however, be played at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo and it is expected that Gattuso’s men will face tough opposition.
