April 14, (THEWILL) – Napoli’s hopes of finishing in European places next season suffered another crucial blow after they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by relegation-battling Frosinone.
Napoli, the defending Serie A champions, came into the match seven points adrift of the top four, meaning anything less than a win would likely end their aspirations of returning to Europe’s premier club competition. However, a brace from their on-loan forward to Frosinone, Walid Cheddira, ensured the points were shared at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The hosts took the lead through Matteo Politano’s first-half strike, but Napoli’s profligacy in front of goal allowed Frosinone to stay in the contest. Cheddira equalised early in the second half, only for Victor Osimhen to restore Napoli’s advantage shortly after.
Yet Cheddira had the final say, powering home a superb header late on to earn a valuable point for the visitors, who remain in the relegation zone with six matches remaining. The result leaves Napoli eighth in the table, a concerning position for a team that won the Scudetto just a year ago.
Napoli’s underwhelming defence of their title means a top-four finish and UCL qualification is now firmly out of their hands, even with Italy potentially securing an extra place in the competition due to Serie A’s leading UEFA coefficient.
With Roma currently occupying fifth position, six points clear of Napoli, Francesco Calzona’s side will need to significantly improve their form in the closing weeks of the campaign if they are to secure any European football for next season.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
