1-0: An undeserved goal from Napoli when Lavezzi aims for the near post from a corner, Cavani was there to flick it towards goal and past Hart. (17)
1-1: De Sanctis parried Silva's shot straight to Balotelli who has the simplest of tap-ins. Napoli's failure to clear the ball lead to the goal. (33)
2-1: Cavani's side-footed volley was too hard for the City 'keeper and ended up being the winner. (49)
With Dzeko, Balotelli, Silva, Cavani, Lavezzi and Hamsik, this game was never going to be goalless!
The Manchester side started the better, keeping the ball well without creating any real chances. Napoli defended in typical Italian fashion, and looked to counter for their goalscoring opportunities. You see a lot of teams with players on the posts when defending corners - not City. For me Kolarov is to blame as he half heartedly stuck a leg out, which looked to put Hart off.
Man City seemed cautious and couldn't break down the sturdy defence of Napoli who played with a flat back 3 with the wing backs tucking in when they'd lose possession.
City weren't afraid to get players forward: Kolarov would often run down the left allowing Balotelli to move in field alongside Dzeko and Silva, with Milner and Toure Yaya joining attacks.
Although they kept the ball well for the majority, they left space for Napoli to counter and it was a well executed, attacking move that got the Italian side the victory, early in the second half.
City have to win against Bayern and hope that Villarreal (still without a point) do well against Napoli, to go through.
It's not like they need the money from the Champions League. Their squad may well be the strongest but they could do with less fixtures if they're to keep up their destructive Premier League form.
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