Ekhator’s backheel stunner stuns the Maradona, but second-half changes from Antonio Conte inspire a Napoli turnaround — Anguissa and Hojlund seal a vital win.
Napoli had to dig deep at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, coming from behind to defeat Genoa 2–1 after a sluggish first half. The defending Serie A champions looked flat early on but were transformed after halftime by the introductions of Kevin De Bruyne and Leonardo Spinazzola, whose energy and quality completely shifted the game.
Genoa took the lead in spectacular fashion in the 34th minute. Rising star Ekhator stunned the home crowd with an audacious backheel finish from a Norton-Cuffy cross — a moment of pure flair that silenced Fuorigrotta and rewarded the visitors for their sharp counterattacking play.
Napoli struggled to respond before the break, and things worsened when both Lobotka and Politano limped off with muscle injuries. Conte’s decision to bring on De Bruyne and Spinazzola, however, proved decisive. The Belgian immediately brought vision and rhythm to Napoli’s midfield, while Spinazzola’s overlapping runs began to pin Genoa deep in their half.
The equalizer came in the 58th minute: Anguissa, anonymous in the first period, drove into the box and fired home to make it 1–1. The momentum was all Napoli’s, and 17 minutes later, Rasmus Hojlund delivered again — coolly finishing from close range after another flowing attacking move. It was the Danish striker’s fourth goal since arriving in Naples, confirming his status as one of Serie A’s most dangerous forwards.
Genoa pushed late but couldn’t find a response. For Napoli, the comeback keeps them top of the table heading into the break, though the injuries to Lobotka and Politano will give Conte something to worry about.
Match Report
Serie A – Matchday 7
Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples
Scorers: 34’ Ekhator (G), 58’ Anguissa (N), 75’ Hojlund (N)
Napoli (4-3-3): Milinković-Savić; Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Juan Jesus, Olivera (50’ Spinazzola); Anguissa, Lobotka (44’ Gilmour), McTominay; Politano (50’ De Bruyne), Hojlund (82’ Lucca), Neres (82’ Gutierrez).
Coach: Antonio Conte
Genoa (4-2-3-1): Leali; Sabelli (76’ V. Carboni), Marcandalli (46’ Otoa), Vasquez, Ellertsson; Masini, Frendrup; Norton-Cuffy, Malinovskyi (60’ Thorsby), Vitinha (76’ Colombo); Ekhator (60’ Ekuban).
Coach: Patrick Vieira
Bookings: Marcandalli (G), Malinovskyi (G), Neres (N), Otoa (G)
Sent off: None
Referee: La Penna
