Napoli began life under new coach Francesco Calzona by earning a spirited 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg courtesy of Victor Osimhen's second-half equaliser. With Slovakia coach Calzona in the technical area for the home side after the dismissal of Walter Mazzarri on Monday night, the struggling Italian champions – who sit a lowly ninth in Serie A – rescued a merited draw when Nigeria forward Osimhen accepted Frank Anguissa's pass to fire home on 75 minutes. Barcelona had taken the lead on the hour-mark courtesy of Poland striker Robert Lewandowski's 93rd career goal in the Champions League from Pedri's delightful through ball.
The return leg on March 12 in Barcelona is well-poised after a draw that will not displease either side. It was a slow burner of a match in Naples between the two sides who don't have their troubles to seek in terms of managerial changes, but the second half certainly provided a glimpse of what could lie in store in the second leg. Lewandowski is 10 years older than Osimhen, but both players are hot property in European football as the dynamic duo provided excellent finishes in an intriguing second half to leave this tie right in the mixer before they do battle in Barca. In particular, Napoli would be well advised to let off the handbrake after discovering they could trouble their opponents if they can up the pace of their passes in the final third.
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