Napoli Drop Crucial Points as Genoa Fight Back Twice in Stalemate
Napoli vs Genoa : In a dramatic Serie A showdown, Napoli vs Genoa ended in a 2-2 draw as the league leaders twice squandered their advantage. Despite goals from Romelu Lukaku and Giacomo Raspadori, the hosts were left frustrated as Genoa clawed back each time to share the spoils.
Napoli Start Strong But Lose Lobotka Early
With Inter Milan’s result already known before kickoff, Napoli had the chance to stretch their narrow lead at the top. However, injury troubles loomed large as Stanislav Lobotka, already struggling with an ankle sprain, limped off after just 13 minutes. Billy Gilmour replaced him, and the home side had to adjust quickly.
Still, Napoli drew first blood moments later. A perfectly weighted pass from Scott McTominay found Romelu Lukaku, who muscled past Johan Vasquez and slotted the ball into the bottom corner with a clinical right-footed finish.
Genoa Fight Back Through Meret Own Goal
Napoli continued to push as Giacomo Raspadori and Vitinha threatened, but Genoa remained dangerous on set-pieces. On the half-hour mark, Andrea Pinamonti hit the crossbar from a Vitinha free kick.
Minutes later, Genoa found their equaliser. Another Vitinha free kick was poorly cleared, and a header from Honest Ahanor bounced off the post and rebounded in off Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret for an unfortunate own goal.
Raspadori Restores Napoli’s Lead in Style
The second half resumed at a furious pace. Lukaku and Raspadori both tested debutant Benjamin Siegrist in goal, while Napoli looked desperate to reclaim their lead. That moment arrived when McTominay once again pulled the strings—his through ball found Raspadori, who showed brilliant control before smashing in with his left foot at the near post to make it 2-1.
Genoa’s Resilience Shines as Vasquez Levels Late
Napoli had several chances to kill off the game. McTominay’s powerful strike was saved, and Amir Rrahmani made a crucial defensive stop to deny Pinamonti. But Genoa weren’t done. In the 78th minute, Aaron Martin delivered a pinpoint cross that Johan Vasquez headed powerfully past Meret to level the match once again.
The final moments saw both teams press for a winner. Matteo Politano’s thunderbolt was saved, and in stoppage time, Philip Billing missed a golden opportunity from a David Neres cross.
What the 2-2 Draw Means for Napoli and Genoa
The result leaves Napoli’s title hopes slightly shaken, as they now hold just a one-point lead over Inter Milan at the top of the Serie A table. Genoa, meanwhile, will take heart from a resilient performance, ending a three-game losing streak with a valuable point away from home.
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