Dries Mertens shined in Napoli’s explosive 6-1 win over Sassuolo yesterday, receiving top marks from the Italian press.
The Partenopei secured the dominant victory yesterday at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, a match where Kalidou Koulibaly, Victor Osimhen, Hirving Lozano, Mertens and Amir Rrahmani all found the back of the net. Maxime Lopez’s late consolation goal did little to improve Sassuolo’s afternoon.
Mertens was highly praised by the Italian media for his work in the victory; Corriere dello Sport felt that he was devastating, noting “the undisputed idol who enchanted the crowd: Maradona and history are his.” La Gazzetta dello Sport underlined his “presence as a leader” and suggested that “when playing at these rhythms he remains the best. Tuttosport felt that “it would be a crime not to renew his contract.”
Coach Luciano Spalletti also received decent reviews from the Italian press. Corriere dello Sport were happy with his preparation, saying “the irrational Napoli explodes, but Sassuolo aren’t in it and that’s not insignificant.” Tuttosport were equally satisfied with his work, feeling that “with two forwards Napoli are much more incisive.”
Mertens’ ratings in the Italian newspapers:
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 7
Corriere della Sera: 7.5
Corriere dello Sport: 8
Tuttosport: 8
Spalletti’s ratings in the Italian newspapers:
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 6
Corriere della Sera: 6.5
Corriere dello Sport: 7.5
Tuttosport: 6.5