Napoli stormed into the Coppa Italia last 16 with a resounding 5-0 victory over Serie B side Palermo, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity in a one-sided affair at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Leading the charge was Cyril Ngonge, who netted two early goals in a dazzling first-half display, setting the tone for a comfortable evening for the hosts. The win, coupled with a red card for Palermo’s Aljosa Vasic, left little room for doubt as Napoli advanced to the next round in emphatic fashion.
Ngonge’s First-Half Brilliance Sets the Tone
Napoli wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Cyril Ngonge opening the scoring in just the seventh minute. The Belgian forward, showing excellent technique, unleashed a low left-footed drive from the edge of the box. Palermo’s goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, known for his experience, made a rare blunder as the ball squirmed under his body and into the back of the net, leaving him shaking his head in disbelief.
Just five minutes later, Ngonge struck again. This time, he found the net from a difficult angle on the left side of the penalty box, with a powerful shot that flew across the face of the goal and nestled into the side netting. Sirigu could do nothing but watch as Napoli doubled their lead, giving the hosts complete control of the match before Palermo could even settle.
Palermo’s Brief Hope and Missed Opportunity
Despite Napoli’s early dominance, Palermo came close to pulling one back when Matteo Brunori struck the post in the 29th minute. The forward found himself in a good position, but his shot cannoned off the upright, denying the visitors a lifeline. That missed opportunity would prove costly as Napoli tightened their grip on the game.
Napoli continued to press forward, and just before halftime, they extended their lead further. A well-delivered corner from Piotr Zieliński found the head of Juan Jesus, who rose above Palermo’s defense to nod the ball into the net, making it 3-0. The Brazilian defender’s goal effectively ended any hope of a Palermo comeback, sending the hosts into the break with a commanding lead.
Vasic’s Red Card Ends Palermo’s Fight
If Palermo had any dreams of staging a second-half resurgence, they were quickly dashed when midfielder Aljosa Vasic was sent off in the 58th minute. Vasic was shown a straight red card for dangerous play after catching Napoli’s Billy Gilmour in the face with a high boot. The red card left Palermo with 10 men and a mountain to climb.
With a numerical advantage and a comfortable lead, Napoli began to toy with their opponents, controlling possession and creating numerous chances. Palermo’s defense struggled to cope with Napoli’s movement and pace, and the inevitable fourth goal came in the 70th minute.
David Neres and McTominay Add to the Scoreline
David Neres, who had been lively throughout the match, added his name to the scoresheet. The Brazilian winger pressed aggressively to win the ball back deep in Palermo’s half, before calmly slotting home from close range. His goal made it 4-0, all but securing Napoli’s place in the last 16.
As Napoli continued to dominate, manager Antonio Conte opted to bring on fresh legs, including Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay. The substitutions paid off immediately, as McTominay scored with his very first touch of the game. In the 77th minute, Lukaku surged down the right flank before delivering a perfectly timed pass to McTominay, who rifled the ball into the net to complete the 5-0 rout.
Defensive Masterclass
While Napoli’s attacking display grabbed the headlines, their defense was equally impressive. Palermo, despite their best efforts, could not register a single shot on target. The solid defensive partnership of Juan Jesus and Amir Rrahmani ensured that goalkeeper Alex Meret had little to do throughout the match.
Napoli’s defensive discipline, combined with their relentless attacking play, made for a near-perfect performance. The team’s tactical setup under Antonio Conte was spot on, with the hosts balancing their offensive pressure while remaining compact and organized at the back.
Ngonge’s Star Performance
Cyril Ngonge’s two early goals set the tone for the evening, and while he was unable to complete his hat-trick, his performance was a testament to his growing importance in the team. Ngonge’s ability to exploit spaces, his intelligent movement off the ball, and his clinical finishing made him a constant threat to Palermo’s defense.
The young forward has been steadily improving under Conte’s guidance, and his brace against Palermo will undoubtedly boost his confidence as Napoli progress in the competition.
Looking Ahead: Napoli’s Ambitions in Coppa Italia
Napoli’s dominant 5-0 victory over Palermo sends a clear message to the rest of the competition. The Partenopei are serious contenders for the Coppa Italia title this season, and with Antonio Conte at the helm, they are playing with a newfound intensity and hunger.
As they move into the round of 16, Napoli will be aiming to build on this performance and continue their march toward silverware. With key players like Ngonge, Neres, and McTominay in fine form, and defensive stalwarts such as Juan Jesus and Amir Rrahmani keeping things tight at the back, Napoli look well-equipped to challenge for the trophy.
Napoli’s 5-0 thrashing of Palermo showcased their strength in both attack and defense, as they comfortably booked their place in the Coppa Italia last 16. With Cyril Ngonge leading the charge and key contributions from Juan Jesus, David Neres, and Scott McTominay, Napoli look like a team on a mission. As they continue to compete on multiple fronts, this comprehensive victory serves as a statement of intent from Antonio Conte’s men. The road to the Coppa Italia final is long, but Napoli have shown they have the quality and determination to go all the way.
