Napoli have defeated Dynamo Kyiv 2-1 at the NSK Olimpiyskiy in Group B’s opening fixture of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Arkadiusz Milik netted twice to ensure Maurizio Sarri’s side got off to a winning start in this season’s UEFA Champions League campaign.
The Pole hit the back of the net with two first half headers shortly after the Partenopei went behind to Denys Garmash’s clever finish on the turn in the 26th minute, and the home side’s task was made all the more difficult when Serhiy Sydorchuk was given his second yellow for a diving offence in the second half.
The Neapolitans now sit atop of the Group B standings after Benfica and Besiktas played out a 1-1 draw in Lisbon.
Milik impact easing Higuaín departure
The 22-year-old slotted his second brace in a Napoli shirt in just four appearances for the club in all competitions, displaying his credentials in filling at least some of the void left from Il Pipita’s move to bitter rivals Juventus.
The former Ajax man spared his teammates’ blushes after going behind, rising above Dynamo’s defence on two occasions to head past 41-year-old Oleksandr Shovkovskiy in goal for the Ukrainian giants. Similar showings are needed on a consistent basis for the Pole to be a hit in Naples, however at the moment he is proving to be an inspired purchase.
Yarmolenko dazzles despite defeat
Linked with a whole host of Premier League clubs, among others, during the summer, yet not getting his move once more, Andriy Yarmolenko will have to sit tight until January at the very least and replicate the same form that saw interest in him peak during the transfer window.
What better platform to showcase that form than in the Champions League.
The winger was a menace down the right flank and caused Faouzi Ghoulam problems with his trickery and pace, also setting up Garmash’s goal with a cross of the highest calibre.
Napoli showcase ability to win ugly
Sarri stated after the game he was not happy with his side’s performance despite the victory, citing an indecision over whether to attack the opposition and put the match beyond doubt or control the game and close it out. Despite this, the Italians still emerged victorious rather than choke as has been the case in recent times.
It shows a certain level of maturity being able to win games in a less appealing fashion, and Napoli, regardless of the fact they lacked style for periods within the match, claimed maximum points and can take that as encouragement heading into their next European tie at home to a wily Benfica side.
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