Napoli hold off a dramatic late comeback from Pisa thanks to goals from Gilmour, Spinazzola, and substitute Lucca, moving into first place in Serie A.
Napoli survived a thrilling finale at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to edge newly-promoted Pisa 3-2 and claim top spot in Serie A.
Antonio Conte’s side seemed in control after Leonardo Spinazzola put them 2-1 up in the second half, only for Pisa to push back late and nearly snatch a stunning result.
Billy Gilmour opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a precise strike from outside the box, but Pisa equalized on the hour mark through a penalty converted by M’Bala Nzola. Spinazzola then restored Napoli’s lead with a brilliant solo run and finish in the 73rd minute, capping off a man-of-the-match performance.
Substitute Lorenzo Lucca appeared to seal the victory with Napoli’s third goal in the 82nd minute, but Pisa made things nervy again when Lorran scored in stoppage time.
Despite a late push from Alberto Gilardino’s men, Napoli held firm to secure all three points and continue their strong start to the season.
Match Report
Napoli 3-2 Pisa
Scorers: 39′ Gilmour (Napoli), 60′ Nzola (Pisa, pen.), 73′ Spinazzola (Napoli), 82′ Lucca (Napoli), 90′ Lorran (Pisa)
Napoli (4-1-4-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Buongiorno (81′ Juan Jesus), Spinazzola; Gilmour (57′ Lobotka); Politano, Elmas (57′ Anguissa), De Bruyne, McTominay; Hojlund (77′ Lucca).
Coach: Conte
Pisa (3-5-2): Semper; Canestrelli, Caracciolo, Lusuardi; Leris (61′ Cuadrado), Marin (80′ Lorran), Aebischer, Akinsanmiro, Bonfanti (74′ Angori); Nzola (74′ Tramoni), Moreo (61′ Meister).
Coach: Gilardino
Referee: Crezzini
Yellow Cards: Caracciolo (Pisa), Spinazzola (Napoli), Lusuardi (Pisa), Gilardino (Pisa coach)
Red Cards: None
