After a terrible start to the season regarding board ambition, Rafael Benitez’ men’s only positive from the season so far; their 100% record in the UEFA Europa League came to an end last night courtesy of an unforeseen 2-0 defeat at the hands of Young Boys in Switzerland.
A fairly dull yet highly contested first half saw both teams go in at the break goalless, Hoarau’s aerial presence was causing Napoli a few problems and Mvogo was also called into action numerous times with efforts from de Guzman and Dries Mertens.
The game sprung into life after the restart and Guillaume Hoarau, the man who most looked like scoring in the first half for the hosts opened the deadlock with a well-controlled half-volley in the 51st minute. The expected response from Napoli wasn’t forthcoming though, and Benitez was forced to introduce captain Hamsik in place of the disappointing Michu.
The Slovakian then had a half-hearted appeal for handball, which was dismissed by the referee who was in a good position to judge. Jose Callejon with a brace at the weekend - Inter came on as sub in attempt to pull level and he found the net, however was correctly ruled offside by the linesman.
Napoli’s haste to find a leveller was leaving them vulnerable at the back and as they through more men forward, the game was always going to finish 1-1 or 2-0 – and the gamble backfired as Young Boys hit them on the counter and Bertone finished past Rafael to clinch all three points, a famous victory for the hosts.
Young Boys now sit joint top of the group with Napoli on 6 points, the season just doesn’t seem to get any better for the latter. The fans are rightfully aggravated as their sides slow start has now developed into a sustained run of poor performances. Something has to give soon.