When Napoli clinched a 2‑1 win over Genoa at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on , the Danish striker Rasmus Højlund sealed the comeback with a 75th‑minute finish, propelling Napoli back to the top of Serie A Round 6Italy. The match, overseen by referee Federico La Penna, turned a shaky first half into a statement of intent for the league leaders.
Match recap: how Napoli turned the tide
Genoa shocked the home crowd early. In the 33rd minute, forward Jeff Ekhator latched onto a lofted ball and smashed it past goalkeeper Alessio Grosso, giving the visitors a surprise lead. Napoli dominated possession in the opening 30 minutes, registering 12 attempts, but the lack of a clinical edge kept the score level.
The turning point arrived after the break. Mid‑fielder Frank Anguissa surged forward and, from just outside the box, curled a low shot into the bottom corner in the 57th minute. The equaliser ignited the stands, and Napoli’s pressing intensified.
Only 18 minutes later, Højlund collected a perfectly timed through‑ball from Matteo Politano. With his back to goal, the Danish forward shrugged off defender Leonardo Bazzani, slotted the ball past the Genoa keeper. The 75th‑minute strike clinched the win and sent Napoli’s fans into a frenzy.
Key players and tactical shifts
Rasmus Højlund’s impact
Højlund has now scored three of Napoli’s six league goals this season, underscoring his rapid adaptation to Italian football. His physicality and intelligent movement make him a constant threat on the break, and his 75th‑minute finish showcased a composure more typical of seasoned internationals.
Midfield dynamics
Coach Francesco Fabrizio reshuffled his midfield after the halftime whistle. He introduced Scott McTominay to add steel, while Stanislav Lobotka continued to dictate tempo. Their combined work rate helped Napoli dominate the central third, creating the platform for Anguissa’s equaliser.
Defensive solidity
Captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo marshaled a back line that featured veteran Juan Jesus and new signing Sam Beukema. Their organization limited Genoa to just two shots on target after the hour mark, a stark contrast to Napoli’s early dominance.
What the result means for the table
Napoli’s victory lifts them to 15 points from six games, restoring their lead at the top of the Serie A standings. The three points also widen the gap to second‑placed Inter Milan, which sits on 12 points after a 1‑1 draw in Milan.
For Genoa, the loss leaves them on just two points, still anchored at the bottom. Their record now reads 0‑2‑4, and the club’s survival hopes hinge on an immediate turnaround.
- Napoli: 5 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss – 15 points
- Genoa: 0 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses – 2 points
- Goal difference: Napoli +8, Genoa –7
- Top scorer for Napoli: Rasmus Højlund (3 goals)
- Attendance: 46,102 spectators
Historical context and head‑to‑head
The rivalry dates back to the 1920s, but Napoli have historically held the upper hand. Before this match, the two clubs had met 29 times in the league, with Napoli winning 19, Genoa winning 2, and 8 draws. The latest result pushes the win‑loss tally to 20‑2‑8, cementing Napoli’s dominance.
Analysts point out that Napoli’s early‑season form mirrors their 2022‑23 title charge, when they also stood atop the table after six rounds. The key difference now is depth; the squad’s bench, featuring talents like Noa Lang and Eljif Elmas, has already made meaningful contributions.
Looking ahead: upcoming fixtures
Napoli’s next challenge arrives on October 12, when they travel to Turin to face Juventus. A positive result could create a six‑point cushion at the summit.
Genoa will host newly promoted Hellas Verona on October 19, hoping to claim their first win of the campaign. Survival will likely depend on tightening their defence, which conceded 12 goals in the opening six matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Napoli’s win affect their title chase?
The three points push Napoli to 15 from six games, giving them a three‑point lead over Inter Milan. With a strong defence and a scorer in Højlund, they now have a comfortable cushion heading into the October fixtures, making their title bid look realistic.
What struggled for Genoa in this match?
Genoa’s main issue was a lack of defensive cohesion after conceding the equaliser. They surrendered possession in the second half, allowing Napoli to create 18 chances. Their midfield failed to link up with the attack, leaving them with only two shots on target after the hour mark.
Who were the standout performers for Napoli?
Besides Højlund’s winning strike, Frank Anguissa’s equaliser and the midfield work of McTominay and Lobotka were pivotal. Defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s leadership kept the back line organized, and Noa Lang’s impact off the bench added fresh energy in the final minutes.
What does this result mean for Genoa’s relegation battle?
The loss leaves Genoa with just two points from six matches, confirming their position at the bottom of the table. They now face a steep climb; even a win in their next two games would only raise them to five points, still far from safety.
How did the referee’s decisions influence the game?
Federico La Penna allowed a marginal off‑side call on the opening goal, which stood after VAR review. He later booked Genoa midfielder for a reckless challenge on Anguissa, slightly reducing their midfield options in the crucial second half.
1 Responses
Wow, Napoli pulled off an absolute thriller!
The 2‑1 comeback against Genoa was pure fireworks.
I could hear the whole city cheering from my apartment.
Højlund’s 75th‑minute strike was like a bolt of lightning across the night sky.
The way Anguissa curled that equaliser was poetry in motion.
And let’s not forget the tactical masterstroke by Fabrizio after halftime.
Adding McTominay gave the midfield the steel that was missing.
Lobotka kept the rhythm smooth as silk.
The defense, marshaled by Di Lorenzo, turned into an iron wall after the break.
Genoa’s early goal looked promising, but Napoli’s resolve was unshakable.
The crowd at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium roared like a volcano.
I still have goosebumps thinking about the moment the ball hit the net.
This win pushes Napoli back to the summit, three points clear of Inter.
It also sends a massive message to Juventus next week.
If they keep this intensity, the title looks like a very realistic goal.
Can’t wait to see what the next match brings!