Osimhen struggles as Napoli fail to complete comeback against Genoa
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Napoli struggle against Genoa || Photo credit: Imago

Osimhen struggles as Napoli fail to complete comeback against Genoa

Stephen Oladehinde 21:51 - 16.09.2023

Last season Serie A winner Napoli failed to return to winning ways as they dropped points after a draw against Genoa.

Napoli came into this game looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season handed to them by Lazio.

However, they could only manage a 2-2 draw against Genoa, dropping further points in the title race challenge. 

Genoa opened the scoring late in the first half from a Mattia Bani strike to shock last season's Serie A league winners.

They added the second goal in the second half through Mateo Retegui but Napoli got their groove back and scored two goals through Giacomo Raspadori and Matteo Politano.

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As it happened

Genoa manager Alberto Gilardino made three changes to his side that lost to Torino before the international break.

While Napoli manager Rudi Garcia made two changes to his side that lost 2-1 at home to Lazio with Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen leading the attack.

The game started with both teams failing to create lots of chances but the game opened up towards the end of the first half.

Genoa got the first goal through a nice headed pass by Koni De Winter to Mattia Bani who then latched on to it and put the ball into the back of the net with a fine header.

The first half ended with the home side looking comfortable and Napoli looking like a confused team.

Both teams came back into the field for the second half and shortly after, Genoa added the second goal to increase their lead.

Genoa vs Napoli, Serie A game || photo credit: Imago
Genoa vs Napoli, Serie A game || photo credit: Imago

Kevin Strootman laid the ball off to Mateo Retegui, who shot from close range into the left side of the goal, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.

Napoli got a goal back in the 76th minute when Jens Cajuste teed up Giacomo Raspadori on the edge of the box and he fired the ball into the top left corner.

Rudi Garcia’s team were not finished as they put more effort into getting the equaliser late on in the game.

In the 84th minute, Matteo Politano unleashes a first-time shot from inside the box and beats the goalkeeper into the top right corner.

Napoli could not complete the comeback and failed to return to winning ways as the referee blew the whistle for the end of the game.