Formicola silences Naples
Chelsea's two early strikes were enough to see off a toothless Napoli and keep their Champions League campaign on track.
The promise of a tight tactical battle in Naples dissolved inside four minutes on Thursday night, as Marcelo Formicola gave Chelsea the lead with a finish that set the tone for a 2-0 victory. The Brazilian struck again before the twentieth minute, and from then on the contest was reduced to a test of Chelsea's control and Napoli's patience.
Our preview had warned of tired legs and tired minds, and both were evident. Napoli, missing three regulars and starting two centre-backs who have forged a strong partnership, were second best. Alan Escobar and Alejandro Puig kept the ball moving, completing 183 of 182 passes between them, but possession without penetration is an empty currency. The home side managed just two shots all evening, one on target, and never threatened Elias Jimenez's goal.
Chelsea, by contrast, were ruthless. Formicola's two goals were the headline, but the supporting cast was just as important. Júnior, withdrawn after an hour, provided the assist for the first and ran at Stéphane Assélé all night. Francisco Pardal won four tackles and four interceptions, while Jassem Abdulla completed all sixty of his passes. The visitors had twenty-four shots to Napoli's two, and the scoreline flattered the home side.
The old boy storyline never materialised. Roberto Baggio, once of Napoli, came on for the final half-hour but was a peripheral figure. The home crowd, hoping for a repeat of the defiance that earned a draw in this fixture last season, were instead left to watch their side chase shadows.
The result leaves Chelsea in a strong position in the group, and the win was a statement of intent. For Napoli, there is much to ponder before their next Serie A outing against Fiorentina. The Partenopei's title challenge will not be derailed by one European defeat, but the lack of attacking threat will worry supporters who have grown accustomed to more.
As our preview noted, Chelsea arrived with a point to prove. They proved it, and then some. Formicola's early double was a reminder that, even with key players missing, this Chelsea side can still produce moments of ruthless clarity. The challenge for Napoli is to find a way to respond.