Napoli fought back to earn a share of the spoils in a spirited two-goal comeback against Pescara at the Stadio Adriatico on Sunday.
A Dries Mertens double ensured Partenopei did not begin the 2016-17 Serie A campaign with a loss to the newly promoted side.
Ahmad Benali and Gianluca Caprari scored first-half goals for the Delfini, and the home side looked good value for its lead until Mertens entered the field in the latter stages and netted a quick-fire double to spare the Neapolitans’ blushes.
Outside90’s Frank Garrasi takes a look at three players who stole the spolight on Monday morning.
Dries Mertens (Napoli)
Despite only featuring for little over 35 minutes the Belgian put in a man-of-the-match performance, coming on for an insipid Lorenzo Insigne and inspiring the Azzurri with a well taken brace.
As well as hitting the back of the net twice for his side, the 29-year-old orchestrated many of Napoli’s attacks late in the game and was key to Maurizio Sarri’s men nearly finding a winner.
Mertens did more than stake a claim for a starting role in place of Insigne on the left-hand side of midfield, for the upcoming match against AC Milan.
Valerio Verre (Pescara)
Deputising in a more advanced role the 22-year-old impressed for the hosts, with his key contribution being the incisive through ball that resulted in Benali’s goal.
The former AS Roma man linked up well with Caprari and Benali and provided a significant goal threat for the confident Pescara. Similar showings from the young Italian may help Massimo Oddo’s men to avoid the drop.
Ahmad Benali (Pescara)
The Manchester City academy product scored the Delfini’s first goal through a deftly executed chip over the oncoming Pepe Reina inside the opening 10 minutes of the game, combining with Verre to open his side’s account for the season.
Particularly menacing in the first-half, the Libyan showed skill and flair to threaten the Partenopei defence and made light work of Chelsea target Kalidou Koulibaly.
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