Ghoulam Urges Napoli's Attackers To Step Up Following Goalless Draw Against Eintracht Frankfurt

Add as a preferred source on Google

Faouzi Ghoulam, a former Napoli defender, has expressed concerns about the team's attacking players needing to make a greater impact on the field. Napoli recently played to a goalless draw against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, following another 0-0 result against Como in Serie A. Despite leading Serie A before the November international break, Napoli could drop to fourth place depending on other results.

Ghoulam highlighted the need for players like Noa Lang to elevate their performance to match the standards set by midfielders Frank Anguissa and Scott McTominay. "Anguissa played a great game; he was definitely Napoli's best player. He and McTominay were the most dangerous," said Ghoulam after the draw with Frankfurt. The midfielders' strong performances underscored the strikers' lack of effectiveness.

Napoli's slow pace during matches has been advantageous for opponents like Eintracht Frankfurt, who began wasting time early in their recent encounter. Despite losing 5-1 in their last two matches, Frankfurt managed to hold Napoli at bay. For Napoli to achieve their ambitions, they must generate more offensive opportunities.

Bologna currently sits sixth in Serie A and has not lost since a narrow defeat to AC Milan on September 14. They remain unbeaten across nine matches in all competitions but have drawn three of their last four games. This resilience makes them a formidable opponent for any team.

Players to Watch: Castro and Milinkovic-Savic

Santiago Castro is a key player for Bologna, having scored three goals in his last three Serie A appearances. This matches his total from his previous 22 matches. Among young talents in Europe's top leagues, only Lamine Yamal and Lucas Stassin are younger than Castro, who has netted 12 goals since last season.

For Napoli, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic stands out as an exceptional goalkeeper. Since last season, he has saved six out of ten penalties faced, equalling Nikola Vasilj's record. His ability to prevent goals is notable, with only Yehvann Diouf and Yahia Fofana surpassing his expected goals prevented figure.

Match Prediction: Likely Draw

The upcoming clash between Napoli and Bologna is likely to end in a draw based on recent history. Napoli has won just one of their last five encounters with Bologna (D3 L1), with three of these matches ending level. Bologna has drawn their last three home games against Napoli and could extend this streak further.

Bologna has accumulated 18 points from their first ten Serie A games this season, matching their second-best start during the three-point-for-a-win era (also achieved in 2002-03). Meanwhile, Napoli has lost two of five away games this season but maintained five clean sheets in their last eight away league matches.

The statistics suggest that while both teams have strengths, neither holds a decisive advantage over the other heading into this match-up.