Incredible scenes at the Diego Maradona Stadium saw Napoli overhaul a halftime deficit to beat newly-promoted Parma 2-1. Antonio Conte’s side claimed a confidence-boosting victory in the most unbelievable circumstances.
Parma broke the deadlock in the 19th minute after a superb start as Ange-Yoan Bonny converted a penalty. Despite several decent scoring chances for both teams, the scoreline didn’t change before halftime. Napoli had everything to play for in the second half.
Conte’s side flew out of the traps in the second 45 minutes, yet they couldn’t find a way past Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The Japanese star eventually gave Napoli a decisive boost, picking up a red for a reckless challenge outside the box.
Since Parma boss Fabio Pecchia made all five changes, Enrico Del Prato put on the gloves. The full-back nearly pulled off a save to deny Romelu Lukaku his first Napoli goal on his debut, yet the Belgian striker picked out the far corner with power and precision to level the score in the 92nd minute.
Napoli turned the game on its head four minutes later, with Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa winning an aerial duel in the box to head home David Neres’ cross from the right flank. A stunning comeback at the Maradona Stadium saw the Partenopei win back-to-back Serie A matches at home for only the second time in 2024.
Napoli (3-4-2-1)
Alex Meret – 6
He couldn’t do anything to thwart Bonny’s shot from the spot, but the rest of the night was plain sailing for the Italian goalkeeper.
Alessandro Buongiorno – 7
It’s no surprise Napoli spent a fortune to sign him from Torino. The highly-rated center-back was outstanding tonight.
Mathias Olivera – 6
The Uruguayan couldn’t find his feet on either side of the pitch, forcing Conte to withdraw him at halftime.
Amir Rrahmani – 6
Dominant in the air and strong on the ground, the Kosovo international delivered another reassuring performance.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6.5
The Napoli captain held up his end of the bargain in defense and tried to get involved in attack but to no avail.
Pasquale Mazzochi – 6.5
Though he made numerous darting runs down the flank, he couldn’t find his teammates in the box, often misplacing his crosses.
Stanislav Lobotka – 6.5
The Slovakian looked tireless tonight, but there’s a feeling he refuses to take risky passes even when his side needs a moment of inspiration.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 7
After a relatively slow start, the tall midfielder rose to the contest, with his dynamic display helping Napoli establish control in the engine room after the break. The goal was a fitting reward.
Matteo Politano – 5.5
It won’t be surprising if Conte benches him for Neres after the international break. He seems terminally unable to find a final touch.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 6.5
He was the liveliest Napoli attacker this evening. Yet, it seems his overwhelming desire to get on the scoresheet curtails his composure in front of goal.
Giacomo Raspadori – 6
Another lackluster showing suggests the ex-Sassuolo center-forward will move to the bench from the next game.
Substitutes
Leonardo Spinazzola – 6
Romelu Lukaku – 7.5
David Neres – 7
Giovanni Simeone – 6
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