High-flying Napoli displayed their title credentials with a stunning late show to sink Spezia thanks to new hero Giacomo Raspadori.
Rangers will host the Italians on Tuesday and are primed for another Champions League challenge against the Serie A title contenders. There was signs of encouragement on offer as their domestic rivals executed an almost flawless game plan before the former Sassuolo star struck in the 89th minute.
Hobbled Luciano Spalletti has been left in crutches but the tireless boss demands his players to never seek respite in their approach on the field. The manic intent and high press was there for all to see, but his stars were feeling the effects of their signature win over Liverpool on Wednesday. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was a threat throughout, as was Andre Anguissa who peppered the Spezia goal with a series of attempts in the first half. But the second half was a different prospect as Spezia started to believe and created a series of opportunities before their late heartache.
Sub Hirving Lozano was leading a late charge as it looked like it was going to be frustration for Napoli on the back of their thrilling display which downed Liverpool. Goal hero Raspadori had been frustrated as he passed up several golden chances. Record Sport runs the rule over the Naples in their final encounter before they head to Ibrox to take on Gio van Bronckhorst's side.
Osimhen absence felt
And that is no surprise as Victor Osimhen is a non-stop force from first minute to last when he is on the pitch. But the hamstring injury he picked up against Liverpool means he is a no go for Ibrox, The former Lille forward doesn't score every game, however, his incredible work rate left both Lazio and Jurgen Klopp's side reeling. His 'back-up', and we use that term loosely, is Raspadori. The 22-year-old is a bonafide star with 11 caps for Italy and the 22-year-old appears destined to be Osimhen's successor if a big money move materialises. He left Sassuolo in a loan with obligation to buy deal – meaning he will be remaining at the Diego Maradona Stadium for a while yet. But despite his burgeoning potential, he didn't provide the same pressing style against Spezia but he found his shooting boots when it mattered most.
Kvara the show
Napoli's new hero is adored in his new surrounding and he was once again full of flicks and tricks during his latest display. James Tavernier, or whoever starts at right-back, will be faced with one of the most fearsome rising stars in European football. He specialises in jinking defenders inside and out. The responsibility to keep him at bay will be that of Rangers as a collective in a bid to keep the Georgia superstar from adding to his bulging highlight reel. But, in truth, he wasn't at his peak against Spezia and the Ibrox side will hope that trend continues on Tuesday. He was replaced by Giovanni Simeone in the 67th minute.
Ndombele toils
The £58m Tottenham loanee appears a pale imitation of the player who turned heads at Lyon before earning his money-spinning switch to the English Premier League. The France international - who is rank outsider to make the plane to Qatar - was once packed with flicks, tricks and the finest close control in the game. Ndombele now huffs and puffs his way around the pitch and offered nothing before Spalletti hooked him at half time.
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