Napoli secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Juventus, extending their lead at the top of the Serie A standings. Despite being outplayed in the first half and falling behind to a goal from the new Juventus signing Kolo Muani, the Partenopei responded emphatically in the second half.
André-Frank Zambo Anguissa levelled the score with a powerful header, and Romelu Lukaku sealed the win from the penalty spot. This marks Thiago Motta’s first defeat in the league, while Antonio Conte’s side continues their relentless pursuit of the Scudetto, sending a strong message to Inter.
Juventus started the match on the front foot and came close to taking the lead within the first five minutes. Kenan Yildiz skillfully manoeuvred past Leonardo Spinazzola, but his low shot lacked power and allowed Alex Meret to make an impressive save. Napoli responded by pressing high and gradually increasing their territorial dominance, putting the Juventus defence under pressure, though they struggled to seriously test goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.
The Bianconeri aimed to exploit the gaps left by Napoli’s aggressive positioning, and at the half-hour mark, a long-range effort from Nicolas Gonzalez whizzed past the post, causing a moment of concern for Meret. Napoli’s best chance of the first half arrived in the 41st minute when Anguissa rose to meet a delicate cross from David Neres, but his header sailed over the bar.
Just when the first half seemed destined to end goalless, Juventus broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute. Anguissa’s sliding challenge on Teun Koopmeiners inadvertently sent the ball to Kolo Muani, who instinctively volleyed it into the net, giving Juventus a 1-0 lead at halftime. The only other notable moment before the break came from a curling free-kick by Matteo Politano that narrowly missed the target, with Di Gregorio well positioned.
Napoli emerged from the break with renewed intensity and nearly equalized five minutes into the second half. Lukaku’s close-range header seemed destined for the back of the net, but Di Gregorio produced a sensational reflex save to deny him. However, the hosts’ relentless pressure paid off in the 57th minute. Politano delivered a pinpoint cross, and this time Anguissa made no mistake, rising above Weston McKennie to head home the equalizer.
Juventus appeared disoriented after conceding, prompting Motta to make changes by bringing on Savona and Samuel Mbangula for Andrea Cambiaso and Yildiz. Despite the substitutions, Juventus struggled to regain their rhythm, and Napoli capitalized in the 69th minute. Lukaku found Scott McTominay in the box, who cleverly turned inside and was brought down by an overzealous Manuel Locatelli. The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation, and Lukaku coolly converted the penalty, sending Di Gregorio the wrong way to complete Napoli’s comeback.
Juventus failed to muster a meaningful response, even after the introductions of Francisco Conceição and Dusan Vlahovic. Napoli, showing their title credentials, defended resolutely and closed out the match without any major scares.
The victory further cements Napoli’s position at the top of the table, while Juventus risks slipping further behind in the title race. Motta, having suffered his first league defeat, now faces the challenge of keeping his side in the hunt for a top-four finish.
