Napoli has recovered well from its first league defeat—and even showed great morale against Genoa. The Partenopei were behind at halftime, but turned the tide after the break and ultimately won 2-1, a well-deserved victory.
With a win in Genoa, Napoli had a great chance to move up to first place in the table after their first league defeat against Milan (1-2). Coach Antonio Conte decided not to start De Bruyne, but otherwise fielded a strong starting eleven. They almost took a bizarre lead when Marcandalli’s misplaced clearance rebounded off Höjlund’s chest and rolled just wide of the left post (7′).
After that, however, the game flattened out considerably. Napoli had clear field advantages and a lot of possession, but they were unable to break through the visitors’ attentive defense. Genoa shone especially at the back—and with two young players at that: Ekhator passed to Norton-Cuffy on the right in the 33rd minute. The 21-year-old Englishman ran through and passed back across to the 18-year-old, who then finished excellently with a backheel to make it 1-0.
Napoli improves after the break
The surprising 1-0 was also the half-time score. After the break, however, the game became more and more of a defensive battle for Genoa. Napoli gradually increased the pressure and celebrated the equalizer in the 57th minute: Vasquez’s header clearance landed at Zambo Anguissa, who nodded in the deserved 1-1.
The champions were not satisfied with that, however, and pushed for the lead: Spinazzola shot at Sabelli, who was in the way (61′), Höjlund’s supposed goal to make it 2-1 was disallowed due to an offside position by substitute De Bruyne (72′), before di Lorenzo also headed against the left post (74′) . But then the moment arrived: a De Bruyne cross found Zambo Anguissa, who was denied by goalkeeper Leali, but Höjlund was on hand to score the much-celebrated and well-deserved 2-1 (75′).
After that, the Partenopei switched into management mode and confidently saw out the victory and the three points against a determined Genoa side. Napoli, who are now ahead on points in the title race, will continue after the international break on Saturday (October 18, 2025, 6 p.m.) with an away game at FC Turin, while Genoa will host Parma the following day (3 p.m.).