Goals by Fabian Ruiz and Andrea Petagna brought Napoli to a 1-2 win over a much-improved, scrappy Genoa team in Serie A matchday 2.
A story of two halves, Napoli dominated the first 45 minutes, while substitutions gave Genoa life in the second 45. Despite their opponents’ renewed effort, Napoli managed to come away with their second straight win in a hectic, sloppy match.
The Rossoblu lined-up in a 3-5-2, led by Hernani and Caleb Ekuban at striker. The duo was supported by the strong midfield trio of Milan Badelj, Stefano Sturaro and Nicolò Rovella.
The visitors trotted out a 4-3-3 for the second consecutive week. As Victor Osimhen was suspended, Luciano Spalletti moved Lorenzo Insigne to the number nine position, with Hirving Lozano filling on the left wing.
?? Gli undici Grifoni per #GenoaNapoli pic.twitter.com/edtHm3q1Zb
— Genoa CFC (@GenoaCFC) August 29, 2021
Napoli won the first chance of the match. Lovely combination play on the right wing led to Matteo Politano finding open space. The winger whipped in a cross, but Lozano headed the ball just over the crossbar.
Spalletti’s side continued to press, their next chance coming in the 14th minute. Elif Elmas played Insigne through, but the Italian was unable to finish, his shot bouncing off the post.
As the match progressed, Genoa began to gain confidence, nearly breaking the deadlock on a Paolo Ghiglione shot. The defender received the ball in Napoli’s box and forced a diving save from Alex Meret with a powerful shot.
? Starting XI: Meret, Di Lorenzo, Manolas, Koulibaly, Mario Rui, Fabian, Lobotka, Elmas, Politano, Insigne, Lozano.#GenoaNapoli
? #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/fUGceoKccV
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) August 29, 2021
However, Napoli continued to find space on the right wing. Creativity from Politano and threatening runs by Insigne led to several chances for the Azzurri, who were mounting pressure on Genoa’s defense.
Napoli finally scored the opener seven minutes before halftime. A switch from Insigne found Politano, who played Fabian Ruiz outside the box. The Rossoblu defense allowed the midfielder too much space, and he finished with an curling shot.
Davide Ballardini began the second half by bringing on two attacking options to try to reinvigorate his club. Goran Pandev and youngster Alek Buksa replaced Hernani and Ekuban, as Genoa looked for a more dynamic attack.
The changes nearly made an immediate impact. A low cross from the left bounced around the box and fell to Ghiglione. The defender again botched a perfect opportunity, firing his shot directly at Meret for an easy save.
A shocking blunder by Napoli goalkeeper seemingly allowed Genoa to equalize minutes later. Just after dropping a cross, Meret mishandled another ball, which fell into the path of Pandev. However, the North Macedonian’s easy finish was controversially disallowed by VAR due to Buksa interfering with the goalkeeper.
Superb from Fabián Ruiz ?
Lovely patient football from Napoli as the Spaniard guides it into the bottom corner!
Wand of a left foot ? pic.twitter.com/QNcv6ZBx4b
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 29, 2021
Rightfully angered, Genoa continued to challenge Napoli with a renewed sense of urgency. Led by Pandev, the home side began pressing energetically in the midfield.
Ballardini, sensing opportunity, brought on another attacking option in 19-year-old Yayah Kallon for his second Serie A appearance.
Moments after the substitution, Genoa brought the match level. A wonderful one-touch cross from Ghiglione found Andrea Cambiaso at the back post, and the wing-back fired a shot past Salvatore Sirigu.
Napoli refused to give up, however. The Azzurri relentlessly pushed forward into the attacking third, forcing Genoa to make several late tackles in the penalty area.
A late goal by Andrea Petagna rescued all three points for the visitors. Just two minutes after being brought on, the striker headed home the winning goal on a deadly free kick from Mario Rui.
Napoli will head to the international break with six points from two matches, though a home match against Juventus looms in the distance.