Early goal from McTominay proves decisive as Napoli move up to second place with a narrow win in Sardinia on Serie A Matchday 30.
Napoli secured a crucial 1–0 victory away to Cagliari, with Scott McTominay’s early goal enough to keep their title hopes alive and move them within six points of the top of the Serie A standings.
Antonio Conte’s side made the perfect start, scoring with their very first attacking move of the match. The win allows Napoli to leapfrog Milan into second place, putting pressure on both the Rossoneri and league leaders Inter.
The decisive moment came just two minutes into the game. Matteo Politano delivered a corner that led to a scramble in the box, and McTominay was on hand to find the net and give Napoli an immediate advantage.
From that point on, Napoli controlled the tempo of the match, creating multiple chances while maintaining defensive solidity.
Cagliari struggled to respond and failed to register a single shot on target throughout the game, highlighting the attacking difficulties that have plagued them during their recent poor run of form.
Napoli, on the other hand, repeatedly tested goalkeeper Elia Caprile, who made several important saves to keep the scoreline respectable after initially conceding the corner that led to the goal.
The home side’s frustrations were evident both on and off the pitch. The Cagliari ultras group “Sconvolts” protested outside the stadium during the opening minutes, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with the team’s performances.
Despite some effort in midfield and isolated attempts to build attacking moves, Cagliari never truly threatened Napoli goalkeeper Milinkovic-Savic.
Napoli comfortably managed the remainder of the match, securing three valuable points that strengthen their position in the title race.
For Cagliari, the defeat extends a difficult run of form and keeps them dangerously close to the relegation zone, with pressure continuing to mount as the season enters its final stretch.
Match Report
Cagliari 0-1 Napoli
Goals:
2’ McTominay (Napoli)
Cagliari (3-5-1-1):
Caprile; Zé Pedro (73’ Mendy), Mina, Dossena; Palestra, Adopo (73’ Deiola), Gaetano, Sulemana, Rodriguez (84’ Raterink); Folorunsho (65’ Kilicsoy); Esposito (84’ Trepy).
Coach: Fabio Pisacane
Napoli (3-4-2-1):
Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Buongiorno, Olivera (84’ Juan Jesus); Politano (77’ Spinazzola), Gilmour (77’ Anguissa), Lobotka (55’ Alisson Santos), Gutierrez; De Bruyne, McTominay; Hojlund.
Coach: Antonio Conte
Referee: Mariani
Yellow Cards: Lobotka, Zé Pedro, Olivera, Dossena
Red Cards: None
