Napoli 2-2 Frosinone: Cheddira double earns draw for visitors against 10-man Partenopei

Napoli's hopes for a top-four finish in Serie A were dashed on Sunday when they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by relegation-threatened Frosinone.

Napoli are now eighth with 49 points, 10 points behind Bologna in fourth place and the final Champions League spot with six rounds remaining. Frosinone are in 18th place, a relegation spot, with 27 points.

Coach Francesco Calzona admitted it would be difficult for Napoli to qualify for the Champions League next season, even if Serie A secured a fifth spot in the competition.

Both AS Roma and Atalanta are ahead of them in the table, despite playing fewer games.

"We had to win this game to remain in the race," Calzona told DAZN.

"We are dangerous when we have possession; the problem is in defence, as we are too fragile."

"We’ve been working on this for two weeks. Evidently, it’s not enough. Frosinone have scored many goals this season, they create a lot."

The hosts relentlessly bombarded the Frosinone goal until Matteo Politano's 16th-minute curler from the edge of the box put Napoli ahead.

Minutes later, Victor Osimhen had a chance to double Napoli's lead as he raced towards goal, but his shot went just wide.

Frosinone was awarded a penalty at the half-hour mark after Amir Rrahmani tackled Walid Cheddira, but Matias Soule's shot was saved.

The visitors became more active under the hot Naples sun, making several attempts on goal, but Napoli keeper Alex Meret remained in control until halftime.

Five minutes into the second half, Frosinone equalised through Cheddira after Meret's half-hearted clearance rebounded off Soule, allowing an easy finish into the empty net.

Napoli reclaimed the lead in the 63rd minute when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's deflected strike was tapped in by Osimhen near the goal line, but Cheddira secured his brace with a header in the 73rd to split the points between the two sides.

Mario Rui capped a disappointing day for Napoli by being sent off in stoppage time after receiving his second yellow card for a foul on counter-attacking Demba Seck.

As the whistle blew, the packed Stadio Diego Armando Maradona erupted in boos directed at the Napoli players.

"It would have given us enthusiasm. I am sorry. The stadium was sold out and people were supporting us. I am sorry for them, too," Calzona said.

SportsLigue