At 21:00 Beijing time on April 24, the 34th round of Serie A, Napoli, which theoretically has the hope of winning the title, played away against promoted Mannpoli.
In the final round of Serie A last season, Napoli drew 1-1 at home with weak team Verona, ceding the fourth place in the Serie A table, that is, a Champions League qualification, to Juventus. This season, under the leadership of former Inter coach Spalletti, Napoli has long led the Serie A table, but gradually dropped the chain at the end of the season.
Napoli have 67 points in 33 games, 5 points behind the leader Inter Milan, 4 points behind the second place AC Milan, and there are not many rounds left in the league, it is unrealistic to expect Milan to make mistakes. Yes, Napoli have in fact withdrawn from this season's Serie A title race.
Empoli scored 34 points in 33 games and is 14th in the Serie A table, nine points above the relegation zone, making it difficult for this promoted horse to relegate.
Napoli started 4231, centre forward Osmayne, incigna, Mertens and Lozano on the forward line, double back Fabian Ruiz and Anguissa, four defenders Mario Rui, Juan Jesus, Lamani, Sanoli, goalkeeper Meret. The total value of the starting eleven is 260 million euros.
Empoli started 4312, with Pinamonti and Milan veteran Kutrone double forward. The starting eleven are worth a total of 52.3 million euros.
After the game began, the two sides attacked and defended each other. In the 3rd minute, Empoli's corner kick was deflected and Pinamonti's header from inside the penalty area was deflected off the bar. In the 7th minute, Fabian Ruiz cut inside and hit the ball off the post.
In the 12th minute, Lozano fired a long-range shot from outside the penalty area that was deflected.
In the 15th minute, Napoli's cross from the right was met by Osmayne's header from inside the penalty area and it was high.
In the 20th minute, Napoli corner kick, Insigne drove to the back post, Osmayne headed the ball high over the crossbar.
In the 27th minute, Empoli's forward line was exquisitely coordinated, and Aslani's shot from inside the penalty area was deflected.
In the 37th minute, Pinamonti formed a single knife, but Wu Lei was possessed by his soul and was released by Merete.
In the 40th minute, Bandinelli scored into the penalty area and was saved by the goalkeeper.
In the 42nd minute, Empoli's corner kick went straight into the goal and Merett punched the ball out of the box.
In the 45th minute, Lozano crossed and Mertens fired a shot in front of the goal and the ball went in! Napoli led Empoli 1-0 away.
In the 52nd minute, Angu isa's clever pass and Insigne scored into the penalty area. Napoli extended the score to 2:0.
By the 80th minute, Napoli were still leading 2-0 and it seemed as if winning the match was already in sight. But from the 81st point In China, the situation on the field suddenly changed. In the 81st minute, Empoli broke the ball in front of him and Henderson scored a shot. Empoli 1:2 Napoli.
In the 84th minute, Meret played with fire at the back, and Pinamonti scored after stealing. Empoli equalised.
In the 88th minute, Pinamonti scored twice and Empoli finished 3-2.
Losing this game, Napoli still have 67 points in 34 games and are still in third place in the Serie A table, but the hopes for the title have been dashed, and the third place may even be eventually replaced by Juventus.