ZCZC
BSP-07
FBL-ITA-CUP
Napoli, Atalanta battle to goalless draw in Italian Cup semi-final, first
leg
MILAN, Feb 4, 2021 (BSS/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.
“We had the best chances against a strong team,” said Gasperini. “We did
well, played our game without major problems.”
Lorenzo Insigne had a couple of early chances for the hosts, testing
Pierluigi Gollini in the Atalanta goal.
But it was the visitors, powered by Colombian pair Luis Muriel and Duvan
Zapata, who threatened to score.
Ospina denied fellow Colombian Muriel twice and Matteo Pessina from close
range in the first half, with Rafael Toloi sending wide after half an hour.
After the break Ospina again thwarted Muriel with the keeper receiving
treatment on his knee after taking a knock.
In a bruising encounter Napoli midfielder Diego Demme was stretchered off
after an hour after being struck full in the face by the ball with captain
Insigne limping off minutes later being replaced by Piotr Zielinski.
Victor Osimehn came off the bench in place of Hirving Lozano with eight
minutes to go but the Nigerian forward remains to find full fitness.
Gennaro Gattuso’s six-time Cup winners have left everything to play for in
the Gewiss Stadium on February 10.
“We played a good game defensively, but could have done something more up
front,” said Gattuso, who remains without injured club record scorer Dries
Mertens.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Juventus came from behind to beat Inter
Milan 2-1 at the San Siro in their first leg on Tuesday.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 0901 hrs