Napoli’s aspirations for Champions League qualification took another hit on Sunday following a 2-2 draw at home in their Serie A encounter against struggling Frosinone.
Walid Cheddira’s first double in Italy’s top league secured a crucial point for Frosinone in Naples.
This result leaves the faltering Italian champions Napoli in eighth position with only six matches remaining, trailing fifth-placed Roma by six points. Roma could further widen the gap as they take on Udinese later on Sunday.
Given the strong performances of Italian clubs in European competitions, a top-five finish in Serie A practically guarantees a spot in the Champions League. However, Francesco Calzona’s Napoli increasingly seem unlikely to secure such a position. They were met with boos from the crowd as they left the field of the sparsely-populated and sweltering Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
“We failed to control the game effectively after taking the lead. I urged them to keep it simple, especially considering the extreme heat,” lamented Calzona. “We’ve conceded too many goals this season… our failure to close out games worries me the most. I’m puzzled as to why we don’t seem to sense the danger.”
Napoli seemed poised to claim sixth place when Victor Osimhen redirected Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s wayward shot into the net in the 63rd minute. However, Cheddira, who had previously equalized after Matteo Politano’s early stunning goal, nodded in his second just 10 minutes after Osimhen’s strike.
Frosinone, hovering just above the relegation zone, sit level on 27 points with Verona, who are in 17th place based on goal difference and are set to face Atalanta on Monday.
Despite their precarious position, Eusebio Di Francesco’s side put up a commendable performance, especially after goalkeeper Alex Meret saved Matias Soule’s penalty in the 30th minute.
Frosinone has only managed to secure one league victory since late November, but consecutive draws against Genoa, fourth-placed Bologna, and now Napoli have injected hope into their battle for survival.
“We understand the importance of giving our all, fighting for every ball, as points are vital in our remaining matches… we deserve to stay up,” declared Cheddira. “I’m delighted with the point and, above all, for the team.”
Later, Inter Milan will host Cagliari at the San Siro, where a victory would set up an opportunity to clinch their 20th league title in the Milan derby the following Monday.
Inter currently holds a commanding 14-point lead over their closest rivals AC Milan, who are slated to face Sassuolo on Sunday. Securing a win against Cagliari would ensure that the derby could potentially seal the Scudetto for Inter, regardless of AC Milan’s result.
