Reigning Serie A champions Napoli showed the mettle of title contenders on Sunday, fighting back from a goal down to secure a narrow 2-1 victory over struggling Genoa at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The win extends Napoli’s impressive unbeaten home run against Genoa in Serie A to 16 matches (W10, D6).
Antonio Conte’s side began the contest full of intent, with an early chance falling to Matteo Politano after an inviting cross from David Neres, but the winger blazed his shot harmlessly over the crossbar. However, Napoli struggled to maintain that bright start, finding themselves frustrated by a compact Genoa defensive structure that nullified the creative channels.
Genoa Strike First as Lobotka Limps Off
Against the run of play, but not entirely undeservedly, the visitors broke the deadlock just past the half-hour mark. Jeff Ekhator capitalized on a rare sight of goal, producing a deft flick from Brooke Norton-Cuffy’s low cross to end his year-long wait for a Serie A goal.
The atmosphere in the Maradona took a further dip just before the break when key midfielder Stanislav Lobotka was forced off due to injury. Genoa, meanwhile, would have been ecstatic to head into the dressing room boasting a half-time lead for the first time this Serie A season.
Conte’s Masterstroke Changes the Game
In search of inspiration, Napoli boss Antonio Conte made decisive changes early in the second half, introducing full-back Leonardo Spinazzola and star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne.
The switch was straight out of a title-winning manager’s playbook. It took only 12 minutes for the change to pay dividends, as Spinazzola played a key role in the 57th-minute equaliser. His cross forced Genoa’s Johan Vasquez into a desperate interception, only for the loose ball to drop kindly to Frank Anguissa, who headed home confidently to restore parity.
With momentum now firmly in their favour, the Partenopei ramped up the pressure on the tiring visitors. Rasmus Hojlund thought he had put Napoli ahead, but his effort was chalked off for offside. The relentless pressure continued as Giovanni Di Lorenzo crashed a header against the woodwork moments later.
Hojlund Clinches the Winner
Genoa tried desperately to resist the blue tide, but the pressure ultimately proved too much for Il Grifone. The crucial winner arrived late when Hojlund pounced on a rebound from an Anguissa saved shot, slamming the ball home to secure all three points for Napoli.
The victory sends Napoli top of the league table for the time being and reinforces their reputation as a difficult team to break down at home, especially when provoked. Since the start of the 2024/25 campaign, Napoli now have an impressive 60% win rate from home league games in which they have trailed at half-time (W3, D1, L1) – a huge warning sign for future visiting teams. Conversely, winless Genoa remain firmly rooted in the drop zone.
