Napoli missed a golden opportunity to keep control of the Serie A title race after twice blowing a lead in a dramatic 2-2 home draw against Genoa. The dropped points at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium now leave Antonio Conte’s side just one point ahead of Inter Milan with two games to go, adding new fuel to a gripping Scudetto battle.
Fast Start, Lukaku Delivers Early
With Inter having already claimed victory earlier in the evening, the pressure was squarely on Napoli to respond and protect their slender lead at the top. The response was electric in the early stages. Within the first five minutes, Matteo Politano danced past his marker on the right flank and curled a wicked effort just inches wide of the post—a sign of the intensity to come.
Eight goals in eight games against Genoa
Lukaku loves playing against the Rossoblù #NapoliGenoa 2-1 pic.twitter.com/tFzHIpvqUU
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 11, 2025
Napoli’s attacking intent was rewarded in the 15th minute. It was a goal that embodied Antonio Conte’s attacking blueprint. A sweeping move from the back saw Scott McTominay feed Romelu Lukaku with a well-weighted through ball. The Belgian striker, often criticised for lacking finesse with his weaker right foot, silenced the doubters with a calm, clinical finish into the far corner to put Napoli ahead.
Napoli Push, But Genoa Hang On
The hosts continued to control possession, and came close to doubling their lead minutes later. Captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo surged forward and clipped a dangerous cross into the box for Giacomo Raspadori, whose powerful strike was tipped over by Benjamin Siegrist in the Genoa goal.
Despite Napoli’s dominance, Genoa slowly began to grow into the game. They nearly stunned the home fans just before the half-hour mark when Andrea Pinamonti climbed highest from a Vitinha set-piece and rattled the crossbar. That warning was not heeded, and Genoa found an equaliser moments later—albeit in bizarre fashion.
Junior Messias whipped a teasing cross into the box, which was met by Honest Ahanor. His header forced Alex Meret into a reaction save, but the ball struck the post, rebounded off the keeper’s knee, and rolled into the net for an unfortunate own goal. The goal was as ugly as Napoli’s defending, with Meret’s misjudgment proving costly.
Second-Half Response, But Napoli Crumble Again
Conte clearly had strong words at the break. His side emerged from the dressing room with renewed urgency. Lukaku nearly grabbed his second straight from kickoff, smashing a shot from distance that forced another diving save from Siegrist.
Napoli continued to ask questions. Raspadori went close again, forcing a sensational save from Siegrist, who somehow blocked the striker’s effort with his legs at the near post. Persistence eventually paid off, and just after the hour mark, Napoli restored their lead. Once again, McTominay was at the heart of it. Cutting inside from the left, the Scotsman slipped a perfect pass to Raspadori, who took one touch to steady himself before smashing the ball past Siegrist.
The stadium erupted, but Napoli’s joy would not last long.
Genoa Strike Late as Napoli Pay the Price
With the lead back in their grasp, Napoli dropped deeper, seemingly content to see out the remaining minutes. That conservative approach gave Genoa the green light to press forward—and they didn’t waste their chance.
The equaliser arrived with ten minutes left to play. Aaron Martin found space on the left and delivered a pinpoint cross. Johan Vasquez rose above Amir Rrahmani and powered a header past Meret to level the match at 2-2. Yet again, Napoli’s inability to defend crosses cost them.
The hosts nearly salvaged a dramatic late winner. Substitute Philip Billing, on in the final moments, met a lofted cross with a towering header, but the ball drifted agonisingly wide of the far post.
Pressure Mounts with Two Matches Left
When the final whistle blew, it was the Genoa players who looked the more satisfied, having fought back twice away from home. For Napoli, the result felt like a loss. Four wins in a row had revived their title charge, but this unexpected setback could be decisive.
With two games to go, just one point separates Napoli and Inter
The title race is going down to the wire pic.twitter.com/C9GNjGww1d
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 11, 2025
Napoli remain top, but Inter’s resurgence under Simone Inzaghi continues to breathe down their necks. With just two fixtures remaining and only one point separating the top two, the race for the Scudetto promises to go down to the wire.
For Conte, the message to his squad will be clear—no more slip-ups. For Napoli fans, it’s squeaky-bum time.
READ NEXT:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold Confirms Liverpool Exit After 20 Years, Set to Join Real Madrid
- Liverpool Thrash Tottenham to Clinch Record-Equalling 20th English League Title
- Inter Milan Stun Barcelona in One of UCL Greatest Ever Ties to Reach Second Final in Three Years
- Napoli Close in on Serie A Title as Inter Look to Shake Off Barcelona Draw
