Napoli, Atalanta battle to goalless draw in Italian Cup semi-final, first leg Milan (AFP) – Holders Napoli and Atalanta battled out a goalless draw on Wednesday in their Italian Cup semi-final, first leg clash with all to play for on the return trip to Bergamo next week.
Napoli goalkeeper David Ospina proved decisive on the night pulling off key saves as Atalanta came closest to breaking the deadlock in the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are bidding to win only the second major trophy in their history and first since the 1963 Italian Cup.
Lorenzo Insigne had a couple of early chances for the hosts, testing Pierluigi Gollini in the Atalanta goal.
Holders Napoli withstood a late Spezia charge for a 4-2 win to advance to the Italian Cup semi-finals on Thursday where they meet Atalanta.
Genaro Gattuso&rsqu
Punch Newspapers
Sections
Published 28 January 2021
Holders Napoli withstood a late Spezia charge for a 4-2 win to advance to the Italian Cup semi-finals on Thursday where they meet Atalanta.
Genaro Gattuso’s southeners were four-goals up at half-time in their Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, before the visitors pulled two goals back in a three-minute second half spell.
Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly got the first after five minutes with a back-heel kick off an Elseid Hysaj cross.
Piotr Zielinski sent over the top for Hirving Lozano to fire in the second on 20 minutes with the Polish midfielder involved in Matteo Politano’s third goal on the half-hour.