Napoli Secures Convincing 6-2 Victory Over Aris Thessaloniki in Final Pre-Season Friendly
Napoli concluded their pre-season preparations with a resounding 6-2 triumph against Aris Thessaloniki. The friendly match saw goals from Scott McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne, and Lorenzo Lucca, among others, as the Neapolitan side delivered a dominant performance.
This victory marked the end of Napoli's training camp in Castel di Sangro and served as their final tune-up before the Serie A season kicks off against Genoa on August 22nd.
Amir Rrahmani opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range strike. Aris Thessaloniki managed to equalize through a well-placed free-kick from Uros Racic, beating Napoli's goalkeeper Alex Meret.
However, Scott McTominay restored Napoli's lead just before halftime, capitalizing on a well-crafted assist from Alisson Santos. Following the break, Kevin De Bruyne extended Napoli's advantage with a precise volley from a Matteo Politano cross.
Lorenzo Lucca then made an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute, scoring twice. His first goal came from a sliding finish, and his second was a rebound from a De Bruyne shot that hit the post.
Uros Racic scored his second goal of the match with a powerful volley from outside the box, but Kevin De Bruyne had the final say, adding his second of the game after a skillful play by Giovane.
Napoli experienced a setback during the match as Antonio Vergara was substituted due to a muscular injury.
Match Details:
Napoli 6-2 Aris Thessaloniki
Scorers: Rrahmani 19' (N), Racic 31', 79' (A), McTominay 44' (N), De Bruyne 58', 89' (N), Lucca 64', 74' (N)
Lineups:
Napoli: Meret (Milinkovic-Savic 46'); Di Lorenzo (Mazzocchi 70'), Rrahmani (Obaredin 70'), Marin, Spinazzola (Lang 59'); Anguissa, Gilmour (Lobotka 46'), McTominay (De Bruyne 46'); Politano (Giovane 59'), Hojlund (Lucca 59'), Alisson Santos (Vergara 46') (Garofalo 73)
English Translation:
Friendly | Napoli 6-2 Aris: De Bruyne, McTominay and Lucca enjoy goals
Napoli swept Aris Thessaloniki aside 6-2 in their final pre-season friendly, including Scott McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne and Lorenzo Lucca among those on target.
The Partenopei concluded their summer training camp in Castel di Sangro this evening with a thumping victory, their last preparation test before the Serie A opener against Genoa on August 22.
Rasmus Hojlund and Alisson Santos were off target from promising positions, before Amir Rrahmani hit a screamer from distance into the roof of the net.
Alex Meret was tested by Tino Kadewere, before Uros Racic beat him with a well-taken free kick into the top corner.
McTominay made sure Napoli went into the break ahead and it was one of the easiest goals of his career, the pull-back placed on a silver platter for him by Alisson Santos.
De Bruyne replaced the Scotland international and found the net himself with a precise volley on the Matteo Politano cross at the back post.
Lucca came on and within five minutes had scored while sliding onto the ball, then added another by meeting the rebound from a De Bruyne strike that cannoned off the upright.
There were concerns for Antonio Vergara, who went off with a muscular injury.
Racic completed his brace too with a scorching volley from outside the box, but De Bruyne had the last laugh after a cheeky shimmy from Giovane.
Napoli 6-2 Aris Salonika
Rrahmani 19 (N), Racic 31, 79 (A), McTominay 44 (N), De Bruyne 58, 89 (N), Lucca 64, 74 (N)
Napoli: Meret (Milinkovic-Savic 46); Di Lorenzo (Mazzocchi 70), Rrahmani (Obaredin 70), Marin, Spinazzola (Lang 59); Anguissa, Gilmour (Lobotka 46), McTominay (De Bruyne 46); Politano (Giovane 59), Hojlund (Lucca 59), Alisson Santos (Vergara 46) (Garofalo 73)
Fresh materials — Football News

PSG 2-1 Aston Villa: Luis Enrique Praises Players' "Team DNA"
In a post-match press conference, Luis Enrique lauded his players' qualities, emphasizing their readiness to compete for titles even when circumstances are not optimal. The Spanish manager highlighted that the players' physical condition is not yet at its peak. "Une d

"I Could Say I'm a Child of Dutch Football": Xavi Appointed Netherlands Manager Amidst General Surprise
The Dutch Football Association announced on Wednesday evening the appointment of Xavi as the head coach of the Netherlands. The Spanish tactician, under contract with the national team until 2030, succeeds Ronald Koeman following a disappointing World Cup campaign. For the first time sinc

Juventus Finalize €20m Deal for Bologna Defender Jhon Lucumi
Multiple reports indicate that Juventus are in the final stages of agreeing a €20 million transfer for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi, a figure that includes potential bonuses. The Colombian international has reportedly turned down all other offers, prioritizing a move to Turin. It was prev

Lazio Eyes Free Agent Mauro Icardi After Galatasaray Stint
Lazio has made contact with free agent Mauro Icardi to gauge his interest in a return to Serie A, following the expiration of his contract with Galatasaray. The Roman club is actively searching for a new striker and, operating with a restricted budget, is prioritizing the acquisition of player

Xavi Appointed Netherlands Manager, Transfer Rumors Swirl
In a surprising turn of events for the Dutch national team, Xavi Hernandez has been announced as the new head coach, succeeding Ronald Koeman. This news comes amidst a flurry of transfer activity and speculation across Europe's top leagues. The Netherlands football federation confirmed th

PSG Nearing Deal for Ferran Torres
Negotiations are advancing between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona for Ferran Torres. While a full agreement between Paris and Barcelona has not yet been reached, the player has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract with the Parisian club. Spanish media indicates that Ferran Torres will