Napoli’s poor Champions League form continued as they failed to score for a second match running, drawing 0-0 with Eintracht Frankfurt in Naples.
Napoli’s struggles in front of goal deepened after they were held to a goalless draw by Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. Antonio Conte’s side, aiming to bounce back from a 6-2 hammering by PSV Eindhoven, dominated large spells but lacked the precision to break through.
The result leaves both sides on four points after four games, denting Napoli’s hopes of securing early qualification from the league phase. It also marked a second consecutive goalless outing after their Serie A stalemate with Como last weekend.
Napoli began brightly at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, moving the ball confidently and closing down the opponent quickly when they ceded possession. Eljif Elmas came closest in the opening stages, forcing Frankfurt goalkeeper Michael Zetterer into a diving save with a powerful effort from the edge of the box.
Scott McTominay, deployed in an advanced role, had a night to forget in front of goal. The midfielder rounded Zetterer early in the second half but hesitated and allowed the chance to slip away. Later, when Frank Anguissa found him six yards out, he fired high over the bar.
Rasmus Hojlund also saw a late volley pushed away by Zetterer as Napoli’s frustration grew. Despite enjoying 64% possession and 18 shots, Conte’s men rarely troubled the travelling goalkeeper meaningfully.
Eintracht Frankfurt offered little attacking threat but remained disciplined and compact. Mario Götze headed straight at Vanja Milinkovic-Savic midway through the second half, before substitute Ansgar Knauff nearly snatched a winner with a low shot that the Napoli goalkeeper did well to parry.
Frankfurt’s defensive structure frustrated Napoli throughout, forcing them into speculative efforts from distance. Jean-Matteo Bahoya’s early long-range strike was the German side’s only notable first-half effort, while their expected goals (xG) total stood at just 0.36 compared to Napoli’s 1.85.
The contest’s defining moments were Napoli’s missed opportunities and Frankfurt’s late scare. McTominay, Lobotka, and Anguissa combined well in midfield but failed to turn dominance into goals. Zetterer’s sharp saves kept the away side alive, particularly his crucial stop in stoppage time from Hojlund’s volley.
For Napoli, Milinkovic-Savic impressed again between the posts, making key interventions to deny Knauff and maintain a clean sheet. However, their failure to score at the Maradona raises concerns over attacking sharpness in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne.
Napoli will look to rediscover their cutting edge when they host Qarabag on Tuesday, November 25th. Conte will hope his side can finally end their scoring drought and stay in contention for knockout qualification. For now, Napoli turn their attention back to the Serie A with a trip to high-flying Bologna to look forward to this weekend. Antonio Conte’s side then host Atlanta on November 22nd.
Frankfurt, meanwhile, return home to face Atalanta on Wednesday, November 26th, aiming to build on a disciplined display and strengthen their position in the league phase. For now, Frankfurt have to prepare for a home tie against Mainz 05 this weekend as they look to improve in all competitions.
