Napoli 0-0 Monza: Serie A champions struggle for goals without suspended Osimhen

Napoli were held to a disappointing goalless draw at home to Monza in their final Serie A game of 2023 as the Serie A champions drop to seventh on the log.

The reigning Serie A champions were without their talisman, Victor Osimhen as the African footballer of the year is serving a suspension for picking up a red card in the last game against Roma.

While the draw was disappointing for Napoli, it was Monza's first-ever point in Naples as both clubs put an end to a two-game losing streak in the league.

Napoli entered their clash against Monza looking to end 2023 on a high and dominated first-half proceedings at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona but weren’t able to take a lead into the half-time break as Zambo Anguissa squandered the best chance.

Monza emerged from the break with a point to prove, coming close via Valentín Carboni’s scuffed volley from inside the box in what was a big scare for the hosts.

Monza did get a chance to steal the three points in the 68th minute but Matteo Pessina’s penalty was saved by Alex Meret to earn Napoli a point.

The game would end without any more chances, both managers Walter Mazzarri and Raffaele Palladino got sent off to round up the day's action.