Napoli Battles to a 2-2 Draw Against Genoa in Serie A

 Napoli Battles to a 2-2 Draw Against Genoa in Serie A

Napoli Battles to a 2-2 Draw Against Genoa in Serie A(Image-Getty)

Champions Napoli displayed resilience in Serie A on Saturday, securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw against promoted Genoa with second-half goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Matteo Politano.

Napoli's performance elevated them to the provisional fifth spot in the standings, accumulating seven points from four games.

Genoa, making their return to Serie A after being relegated in the 2021-22 season, showcased strong defensive prowess against the visiting champions. Defender Mattia Bani provided Genoa with the lead in the 40th minute, heading the ball into the net's roof following a corner.

In the second half, Italy forward Mateo Retegui doubled the host's advantage with a clinical first-time shot into the bottom left corner.

Napoli struggled to find their scoring touch, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia delivering their first shot on target in the 72nd minute. Unfortunately for Napoli, Genoa's goalkeeper, Josep Martinez, easily denied the low effort aimed towards the left corner.

However, Raspadori rekindled Napoli's hopes of a comeback by reducing the deficit with a superb shot into the top corner.

Fueled by the prospect of an equalizer, Napoli intensified their efforts, and substitute Politano ultimately leveled the score with a close-range volley just six minutes before the final whistle, thwarting Genoa's aspirations for a second win of the season.

Matteo Politano, reflecting on the match, expressed, "Mine was an important goal but it wasn't enough, we had to win and there is regret because we created many opportunities without managing to materialize them. We can't afford any more mistakes. From tomorrow morning we'll think about the Champions League."

Napoli's next challenge is their Champions League campaign opener against Braga on Wednesday, followed by a league clash against Bologna on September 24. Meanwhile, Genoa, currently in 12th place with four points, will embark on a journey to face Lecce next Friday.