Napoli claimed top spot in Serie A with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Genoa on Saturday, marking their fourth win in their last five league matches.
Frank Anguissa and Amir Rrahmani both scored in quick succession in the first half, giving Napoli a 2-0 lead. However, Genoa responded early in the second half with Andrea Pinamonti’s strike to reduce the deficit.
Genoa dominated large parts of the second half, and Mario Balotelli had a golden opportunity to equalise in the 85th minute, but he failed to convert.
Napoli manager Antonio Conte was critical of his team’s second-half performance, saying: “In another situation, we would be crying bitter tears. It’s right that the boys enjoy the three points but at the same time understand that the games must be played from start to finish, always trying to keep the foot on the accelerator. In the second half, I didn’t like anything, absolutely.”
Napoli’s win takes them to 38 points, one ahead of Atalanta, who can reclaim top spot on Sunday with a home win against Empoli, aiming for their 11th consecutive victory.
