Napoli Player Ratings vs Juventus: Big Rom Does It Again
In a dramatic and high-stakes encounter at the Allianz Stadium on January 25, 2025, Napoli secured an invaluable 3-2 victory over Juventus, thanks to a brilliant performance from Romelu Lukaku. The win was a major statement from Luciano Spalletti’s side as they continue their challenge for the Serie A title, and Lukaku’s impact in the final moments of the match ensured that Napoli walked away with all three points.
The game was an absolute thriller, with both teams showing moments of brilliance and tactical discipline. Juventus, under the stewardship of Massimiliano Allegri, gave Napoli a tough time, but Lukaku’s presence and his clutch performance in the dying minutes proved the difference.
Here’s how each Napoli player performed in the thrilling 3-2 win over Juventus:
1. Alex Meret (Goalkeeper) – 7/10
Alex Meret was steady between the sticks for Napoli, making several key saves, including a vital stop from Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic in the first half. While he could do little to prevent either of the goals scored by Juventus—one from a close-range header by Vlahovic and the other a well-taken strike by Manuel Locatelli—Meret’s overall distribution and decision-making were solid. His calmness under pressure helped Napoli maintain their composure when the game became frantic in the second half.
2. Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Right-Back) – 7.5/10
Captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo had a solid outing at right-back. He was an ever-present threat going forward and provided width to Napoli’s attack. His defensive performance was reliable, as he managed to stifle the advances of Juventus winger Filip Kostić. Di Lorenzo also made key tackles and interceptions, ensuring that Juventus could not exploit the flanks effectively. His energy and leadership were crucial in a match of such high intensity.
3. Kim Min-jae (Center-Back) – 8/10
Kim Min-jae was a towering presence at the back for Napoli, marshaling the defense with authority. The South Korean international won numerous aerial duels against Vlahovic and was dominant in physical battles. His passing from the back also helped Napoli transition quickly into attack, with several accurate long balls finding their target. While Juventus’ two goals were difficult to prevent, Kim Min-jae’s overall defensive display was impressive and showed why he has become one of the most sought-after center-backs in Europe.
4. Amir Rrahmani (Center-Back) – 7/10
Alongside Kim Min-jae, Amir Rrahmani helped form a solid central defensive pairing for Napoli. The Albanian defender was effective in dealing with Juventus’ aerial threat, particularly during set pieces. Rrahmani was also composed when receiving the ball under pressure, allowing Napoli to build play from the back. However, like his defensive partner, Rrahmani was unable to prevent Juventus from scoring twice. Still, his overall defensive organization was commendable.
5. Mario Rui (Left-Back) – 6.5/10
Mario Rui had a more subdued performance compared to his defensive counterparts. While he did contribute in attack, particularly in providing width and making overlapping runs down the left, Rui was occasionally caught out defensively. Juventus’ attacks down his flank, particularly through the energetic Federico Chiesa, caused him some issues. However, his positioning improved as the match progressed, and his willingness to get forward remained an important factor in Napoli’s offensive setup.
6. Piotr Zieliński (Midfielder) – 8.5/10
Piotr Zieliński was instrumental in Napoli’s midfield, dictating play with his vision and technical ability. He was involved in both of Napoli’s first-half goals, delivering a superb assist for the opening strike and then playing a key role in the build-up to the second goal. Zieliński’s intelligence on the ball allowed Napoli to break Juventus’ high press with ease, and his sharp passing kept the visitors in control of possession. Although he wasn’t involved in the scoring directly, his creative influence was crucial throughout the match.
7. Stanislav Lobotka (Midfielder) – 7/10
Stanislav Lobotka was a stabilizing force in Napoli’s midfield, breaking up Juventus’ attacks and winning key challenges. He didn’t have the same level of attacking impact as Zieliński, but his work off the ball was invaluable in shielding the defense. Lobotka’s pressing helped disrupt Juventus’ rhythm, and his ability to recycle possession ensured Napoli could maintain a foothold in the match. He remained disciplined throughout, sticking to his role and breaking up dangerous Juventus moves.
8. André-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Midfielder) – 7.5/10
Zambo Anguissa’s dynamic presence in the midfield was a major asset to Napoli. His strength and athleticism were key in winning duels against Juventus’ midfielders. He contributed defensively and offensively, making several powerful runs into Juventus’ half. Although he didn’t score, his pressing and tactical discipline allowed Napoli to dominate the midfield. His box-to-box work helped Napoli recover possession and maintain control during key moments.
9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Winger) – 8/10
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was once again one of Napoli’s brightest attacking outlets. His dribbling ability and creativity caused Juventus constant problems, particularly for their right-back, Danilo. Kvaratskhelia was involved in the build-up to Napoli’s second goal and nearly scored on two occasions, forcing Juventus keeper Wojciech Szczęsny into making important saves. His flair and vision in the final third were pivotal to Napoli’s offensive efforts, and he remained a constant threat throughout the game.
10. Victor Osimhen (Striker) – 7/10
Victor Osimhen worked tirelessly up front for Napoli, holding up the ball and bringing his teammates into play. Although he didn’t score, his movement and positioning created space for his teammates to exploit. He was a physical presence for Juventus defenders to contend with, and his ability to stretch the defense was a key part of Napoli’s attack. In the final moments of the game, it was Osimhen’s presence that allowed Lukaku to get the space he needed to score the winner.
11. Romelu Lukaku (Striker) – 9/10
Romelu Lukaku was undoubtedly the star of the show in this encounter. The Belgian striker came off the bench in the 65th minute and made an instant impact. His strength, positioning, and composure in front of goal were on full display as he scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute. Lukaku’s ability to hold off Juventus defenders and finish with such precision under pressure was exceptional. His contribution was not limited to the goal; Lukaku’s physical presence unsettled the Juventus defense, and his intelligent movement opened up spaces for Napoli’s attackers. It was a quintessential “Big Rom” moment, and his decisive performance proved once again why he remains one of the best strikers in Europe.
Substitute: Giovanni Simeone (Forward) – N/A
Giovanni Simeone came on late in the match but didn’t have much time to make an impact. He provided fresh legs but didn’t have any major contributions in the final stages.
Manager: Luciano Spalletti – 8/10
Luciano Spalletti’s tactical decisions paid off in this encounter. His team was organized and efficient in their pressing game, while the attacking setup showed versatility and flair. The introduction of Lukaku proved to be a masterstroke, with the striker coming on to score the winning goal. Spalletti’s ability to manage the game and make key substitutions helped Napoli secure all three points, further solidifying their position in the Serie A title race.
Conclusion
In what was an electrifying contest, Napoli claimed a vital 3-2 victory over Juventus, with Romelu Lukaku emerging as the hero once again. The Belgian striker’s goal in the dying moments sealed a dramatic win for Spalletti’s side, who showed resilience and composure in the face of Juventus’ pressure. Napoli’s overall performance was solid, with key contributions from Zieliński, Kim Min-jae, and Kvaratskhelia. The victory not only strengthens their position at the top of Serie A but also sends a message to their title rivals. With Lukaku firing on all cylinders, Napoli’s title aspirations are looking stronger than ever.
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