Napoli triumphs in penalty shootout to reach Italian Cup quarterfinals; Inter also advances
Napoli has advanced to the Italian Cup quarterfinals after a dramatic penalty shootout against Cagliari2 DAYS AGO • Associated Press
Scores only goal fo the game Neres was injured and subbed out in the 86th minute of Sunday's 1-0 win over Roma. He scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), four crosses (three accurate) and two corn...
Impact Neres scored his third goal of the season, all of which have come in the last two games, in his sixth start of the year. This is only the fourth time in all competitions this season that he has played more than 80 minutes, but is still waiting on a full 90-minute performance. He created three chances for the third time in all competitions.
5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE
Napoli wins 1-0 at Roma to move level with AC Milan atop tight Serie A standings
Defending champion Napoli has won 1-0 at rival Roma to move level with AC Milan atop the tight Serie A standings5 DAYS AGO • Associated Press
Active display in win Neres had two shots on goal, created three chances and sent in four crosses (one accurate) during Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League win over Qarabag.
Impact Neres couldn't find the back of the net as he did on his previous Serie A game but was still a big threat from the flank, this time with more freedom to float and appear behind the forwards. The three chances created matched his season high in all competitions and he could've scored an amazing goal during the first half but his bicycle kick was incredibly stopped by the goalkeeper. This was just the first European start for the winger this season and the sixth overall but more performances like this could definitely make him find a permanent spot in the lineup.
NOVEMBER 27 • ROTOWIRE
Scores twice against Atalanta Neres scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-1 victory versus Atalanta.
Impact Neres returned to the starting lineup after two matches, getting the call over Matteo Politano on the right wing, and powered his team to victory with a brace, beating the offside trap and keeping his aplomb in front of the goalie twice. The superb showing should keep him involved as Napoli search for new solutions following Frank Anguissa and Kevin De Bruyne's serious thigh injuries. He has logged six crosses (zero on target), three chances created and six crosses (zero accurate) in the last four matches.
NOVEMBER 23 • ROTOWIRE
Sets up teammate in Lecce game Neres assisted once to go with two crosses (one accurate), two tackles (one won) and two corners in 42 minutes in Tuesday's 1-0 victory against Lecce.
Impact Neres dropped to the bench amid some rotation but came off the bench early for Noa Lang (thigh) and notched his third consecutive assist, picking out Frank Anguissa in the box with a free kick. He's the main candidate to absorb Kevin De Bruyne's (thigh) minutes, but Lang and Elijf Elmas are also options. He has created at least one chance in five straight appearances, racking up nine and posting six shots (zero on target), 15 crosses (five accurate) and nine corners.
OCTOBER 29 • ROTOWIRE
Serie A leader Napoli beats Lecce 1-0, Camarda in tears after penalty miss; Milan held at Atalanta
Napoli moves clear at the top of Serie A with a 1-0 win over LecceOCTOBER 28 • Associated Press
Kevin De Bruyne Injury: How it Affects Napoli and Belgium's World Cup Qualifiers
Kevin De Bruyne's injury has big implications for Napoli, but certainly for his Belgium squad that is aiming to qualify for the World Cup.OCTOBER 27 • FOX SPORTS
Provides helper against Inter Neres assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 3-1 win over Inter.
Impact Neres started as a false-nine over Lorenzo Lucca, replacing Rasmus Hojlund (thigh), looked comfortable and combined with Frank Anguissa on the final goal of the contest. The starter isn't expected to be sidelined for long, but he's one of the main candidates to replace Kevin De Bruyne (thigh), who might miss extended time, moving back to his natural role on the wing. He has notched at least one key pass and one cross in the last five tilts, amassing seven and 13, respectively, and logging two assists, seven corners and six shots (zero on target).
OCTOBER 26 • ROTOWIRE
Assists off bench Neres assisted once to go with one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Tuesday's 6-2 defeat versus PSV Eindhoven.
Impact Neres came on for the final 20 minutes of Wednesday's game, recording an assist vs PSV. He's made all three UCL appearances off the bench, winning one tackle with one accurate cross and an interception in 56 minutes of play.
OCTOBER 22 • ROTOWIRE
Solid in Torino bout Neres created three scoring chances and registered two shots (zero on goal), eight crosses (three accurate) and five corners in Saturday's 1-0 loss to Torino.
Impact Neres had a busy display in his second consecutive start since Matteo Politano (glute) wasn't 100 percent, but he mostly generated some threats through set pieces. He posted new season highs in chances and crosses, but might not have done enough to stay in the XI when his competitor will be 100 percent. He could move to a different role if Scott McTominay (ankle) misses more time. He has notched seven shots (one on target), five key passes, 17 crosses (four accurate) and 10 corners in his last six appearances (two starts).
OCTOBER 19 • ROTOWIRE
Creates one chance versus Fiorentina Neres (thigh) had one off-target shot, one key pass, two crosses (one accurate) and two corners in 21 minutes in Saturday's 3-1 win over Fiorentina.
Impact Neres returned from a brief absence and was fairly productive relative to his playing time. He'll likely continue to come off the bench in most games since the formation featuring Matteo Politano, Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay has been excellent so far.
SEPTEMBER 16 • ROTOWIRE
Makes bench to face Fiorentina Neres (thigh) is on the bench for Saturday's game against Fiorentina.
Impact Neres was a game-time call for this contest, but the winger will be an option off the bench after passing a late fitness test. He's played only 15 minutes off the bench this season and isn't expected to be a regular even if healthy moving forward.
SEPTEMBER 13 • ROTOWIRE
Probable for Fiorentina fixture Neres (thigh) is on track to be available against Fiorentina, Radio Marte reported.
Impact Neres has been managed in training during the break but practiced fully for a couple of days in a row and, unless the staff elects to be extra cautious given the short turnaround, he'll make the squad and provide depth on the wings. He only made a short cameo in the opener despite being healthy.
SEPTEMBER 12 • ROTOWIRE
Late scratch for Cagliari match Neres won't be involved versus Cagliari due to muscle fatigue, Sky Italy reported.
Impact Neres picked up a muscular ailment in training and will be better assessed during the break. Matteo Politano is starting like in the opener, while Noa Lang is the only pure winger available off the bench.
AUGUST 30 • ROTOWIRE
Serie A title race between Napoli and Inter goes to final day and possibly further
The fight for the Serie A title will go into the final day, and maybe even furtherMAY 18 • Associated Press
Subs in late against Genoa Neres (calf) had two key passes, two crosses (one accurate) and three passes in a brief cameo in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Genoa.
Impact Neres returned from a three-game absence and got busy relative to his playing time, trying to help his side's late push. He's likely to get more minutes in the last two matches, but Giacomo Raspadori is in a groove and will probably stay in the XI. He has created at least a chance in five straight outings, totaling 10 and adding four shots (two on target) and nine corners. He has launched multiple crosses in 14 straight appearances, accumulating 72 (17 accurate).
MAY 12 • ROTOWIRE
Could be back against Genoa Neres (calf) "has ramped up his activity in training in the last couple of days and could make the squad Sunday," coach Antonio Conte informed.
Impact Neres will go through a final fitness test on game day but is trending in the right direction, although he's unlikely to get a lot of minutes right away. Giacomo Raspadori will get the nod again in the trident. He has recorded six key passes, 10 crosses (three accurate), four corners and six tackles (four won) in his past three showings in between spells on the mend.
MAY 10 • ROTOWIRE
Finding a date for a Serie A title playoff could be near impossible
Italian league officials might be second-guessing their decision to install a one-match playoff to determine the Serie A championAPRIL 24 • Associated Press
Will skip a few tilts Neres has been diagnosed with a muscular distraction in his left soleus, Napoli announced.
Impact Neres will be sidelined for three to four weeks and isn't certain to return before the end of the campaign. Leonardo Spinazzola and Giacomo Raspadori will absorb the bulk of his minutes depending on how aggressive the coach wants to be. Noah Okafor and Cyril Ngonge will have better chances of coming off the bench while he's on the mend.
APRIL 22 • ROTOWIRE
Ruled out for Monza tilt Neres suffered a muscular injury in the final stages of Friday's training and will be re-evaluated next week, Napoli announced.
Impact Neres is poised for the exams that will determine whether he could recover for the ensuing game versus Torino on April 27. Giacomo Raspadori and Noah Okafor will soak up his minutes with a potential tactical adjustment.
APRIL 18 • ROTOWIRE
Creates three chances against Empoli Neres had four crosses (one accurate), one tackle (one won), one shot (one on target) and three key passes in Monday's 3-0 victory over Empoli.
Impact Neres looked better than in the previous two games as he continues to get his legs fully underneath him following a thigh injury. He has recorded two shots (one on target), six chances created, 10 crosses (three accurate) and six tackles (four won) in the last three fixtures since coming back.
APRIL 15 • ROTOWIRE
Will return versus Milan Neres (thigh) took part in a friendly against amateur team Puteolana on Thursday, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs.
Impact Neres was reportedly close to being called up for the past fixture, but the staff opted to play it safe and give him another week. He'll be back against Milan on March 30 and could supplant Giacomo Raspadori right away if he has a clean sheet week of training. He has scored once and added five shots (two on target), eight key passes and 31 crosses (10 accurate) in his last six outings.
MARCH 21 • ROTOWIRE
Suffers thigh injury Neres has been diagnosed with a muscular distraction of his left semimembranosus muscle after getting hurt late in the Udinese game, Sky Italy reported.
Impact Neres will be sidelined for three to four weeks depending on how the rehab goes. Giacomo Raspadori, Cyril Ngonge and Noah Okafor will likely all get at crack at trying to substitute for him on the left wing.
FEBRUARY 11 • ROTOWIRE
Six crosses, two accurate Neres recorded two shots (one on goal), six crosses (two accurate) and four corners in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Udinese.
Impact Neres has been consistent with his crosses, attempting more than three across Napoli's last three games and logging multiple accurate crosses in each of the aforementioned appearances. In total, he logged 14 crosses (six accurate) across the three-game span.
FEBRUARY 10 • ROTOWIRE
