KIT’S a wonderful life!
Napoli donned an incredible Christmas shirt including a huge Rudolph as they locked antlers with Villarreal for a friendly.
And in keeping with the seasonal twist on their iconic blue top, the Serie A leaders handed over three gifts to the Spaniards.
Villarreal won the warm-up match 3-2 ahead of the Xmas return of the domestic season following the World Cup.
Napoli did avoid a stuffing – surely helped by Rudolph giving the visitors the eyes.
But despite being eight points clear in the Italian top flight, Luciano Spalletti’s men might need to tighten up to keep AC Milan and Juventus at bay.
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Next come Lazio, and there’s even a chance of an Inter Wonderland as Simone Inzaghi’s side are ‘only’ 11 points off Napoli in fifth place.
Had this been a competitive game it would have been more of a shocking thriller than a stocking filler as Napoli looked sleepy and dopey at the back.
And in fact Villarreal began the action much the stronger.
Etienne Capoue pounced on a rebound following a poor clearance for the opener.
FOOTBALLERS’ CHRISTMAS XI
YULE be sorry if this seasonal dream team never unites.
As-myrrh Begovic
Ben White Christmas
Bukayo Cracker
Scott McHogmanay
Mistletoni Kroos
Lionel Xmassy
Erling Garland
Olivier Gi-Rudolph
Snow Salah
Andy Carol
Danny Trimm-Ings
Manager:
Holly Gunnar Sole Star
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Napoli striker Victor Osimhen – previously linked with Manchester United – soon beat the offside trap to thump an equaliser.
But Villarreal could easily have restored the lead before striking twice.
Nicolas Jackson surged away from Giovanni Di Lorenzo for a stunning top-corner finish.
And Gerard Moreno instantly ran clear to make it 3-1 following a dreadful pass from Diego Demme
Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – another player linked with a Premier League move – bagged a consolation for Napoli from a penalty won by Alessio Zerbin.
And at least the Italians won the contest for festive footie fashion as they could hardly be accused of being Rudolph the tame gear.
More importantly, there was a respectful minute’s silence before kick-off for Serie A legend Sinisa Mihajlovic.
The Serbian, who died on Friday aged 53, was a playing hero for Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio and Inter Milan before managing AC Milan, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Torino and Bologna.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
