When Romelu Lukaku, striker of Napoli gave the hosts an early lead, few imagined the drama that would unfold at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday, 11 May 2025. The clash – part of Matchday 36 of the 2024/25 Serie A seasonNaples – ended 2‑2, leaving Napoli’s grasp on the Scudetto hanging by a thread.
Match Overview
Napoli, coached by Antonio Conte, started brightly. In the 15th minute, Scott McTominay, the Scottish midfielder, slipped a precise pass through the Genoa defence, allowing Lukaku to sprint onto the ball and slot it home. The Belgian’s finish was clinical, setting an early tone for the home side.
Genoa, however, were not to be dismissed. Just after the half‑hour mark, an own‑goal by Napoli’s keeper Alex Meret – initially flagged to Honest Ahanor before review – levelled the score at 1‑1. The miscue left Napoli rattled but they regained composure.
The second half saw Giacomo Raspadori fire Napoli back in front in the 64th minute. McTominay’s drive down the left wing found Raspadori, whose first‑touch control and left‑foot strike hit the near post, seemingly sealing three points.
All that changed in the 84th minute when Genoa’s towering Mexican centre‑back Johan Vasquez rose highest on a corner from Aaron Martin and thumped a header home, drawing the visitors level.
Key Moments and Tactical Shifts
Beyond the goals, the match featured several pivotal incidents. McTominay’s ferocious finish was controversially ruled a handball, sparking a brief protest from Napoli’s bench. Defender Amir Rrahmani made a crucial block on a quick Pinamonti tap‑in, while Genoa’s keeper B. Siegrist recorded eight saves, including a palm‑over from Matteo Politano’s left‑foot strike.
Substitutions also shaped the outcome. Napoli introduced Billy Gilmour for the injured Lobotka, while Philip Billing replaced Raspadori at the 80th minute – a move that back‑fired when Billing missed a near‑goal‑line header from David Neres’ cross in stoppage time.
Genoa’s late‑game tactical tweak – bringing on fresh legs for the attack and switching to a high‑press – paid dividends, culminating in the decisive Vasquez header.
Manager Reactions
Post‑match, Conte admitted disappointment. "We’re very disappointed about how it ended but we have to accept the result. This is what football is about – anything can happen," he said. He added that the team had “blown an advantage” and now needed “seven points from the two remaining matches.”
Conte also flagged injury concerns, confirming the loss of Stanislav Lobotka and promising to find solutions. In contrast, Genoa’s coach praised his side’s resilience, noting that the draw was a “big morale boost” as they continue fighting relegation.
Implications for the Scudetto Race
Before the match, Napoli sat top with 78 points, five clear of Inter Milan. The draw slashed the gap to a “narrow margin,” with Inter now only three points behind and a game in hand. With two fixtures left – Napoli versus Lazio and a final showdown with Juventus – the pressure is immense.
Analysts point out that Napoli’s defensive lapses (two goals conceded, one own‑goal) could be fatal. Inter’s upcoming clash against Atalanta will be critical; a win could see them overtake Napoli if the southern club falters.
For Napoli fans, the result feels like a punch to the gut. The club’s recent form – 23 wins, nine draws, four defeats – has been dominant, yet this slip exposes fragility.
Statistical Breakdown
- Shots on target: Napoli 7, Genoa 5.
- Possession: Napoli 58%, Genoa 42%.
- Corners: Napoli 6, Genoa 4.
- Fouls committed: Napoli 13, Genoa 11.
- Yellow cards: Napoli 2, Genoa 3.
Both teams registered 4 goals total, beating the over/under line of 2.5 – a small profit for bettors who took the “over”.
Looking Ahead
Napoli’s next match against Lazio on 15 May will be a must‑win. With Lobotka sidelined, Conte may reshuffle the midfield, perhaps giving more minutes to Anguissa or promoting Gilmour.
Meanwhile, Genoa returns to the table hoping the point fuels a late surge away from the relegation zone. Their next fixture against Atalanta will test whether the confidence from the draw can be sustained.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the draw affect Napoli’s chances of winning the Scudetto?
The point reduces Napoli’s lead over Inter Milan to three points with a game in hand for the rivals. Napoli now need to win both remaining matches and hope Inter drops points; any slip could hand the title to the Nerazzurri.
Which players were directly involved in the goals?
Romelu Lukaku opened scoring, Alex Meret’s own‑goal equalised for Genoa, Giacomo Raspadori restored Napoli’s lead, and Johan Vasquez headed the late equaliser.
What injuries did Napoli suffer during the match?
Midfielder Stanislav Lobotka left the field with a thigh injury and was replaced by Billy Gilmour. Napoli also felt the loss of defensive depth after a minor knock to Amir Rrahmani.
What does the result mean for Inter Milan’s title push?
Inter now sit three points behind Napoli. Their upcoming matches against Atalanta and Torino become crucial – a win in either game could swing the title in their favour if Napoli slips.
How did the fans react to the late equaliser?
The Napoli crowd fell silent after Vasquez’s 84th‑minute header, many chanting “We want the win”. Genoa supporters erupted in celebration, waving flags and chanting the club’s anthem.
Dina DiCicco
October 6, 2025 AT 01:06Honestly, the tactical naiveté displayed by Conte in the last 15 minutes borders on artistic folly 😒. The decision to replace Raspadori with Billing was a masterclass in strategic miscalculation, effectively handing Genoa a lifeline. One could argue that the substitution undermined the entire framework of Napoli’s pressing scheme, leaving large gaps for Vasquez to exploit. Moreover, the own‑goal by Meret was a stark reminder that even elite keepers are not immune to the chaos wrought by sloppy defensive organization. The match, in essence, was a case study in how fragile supremacy can become when complacency infiltrates a squad that has hitherto been invincible. 🧐
Kasey DellaPenna
October 6, 2025 AT 01:16Yo guys the game was a rollercoaster and I swear you could feel the tension building the moment Lukaku slotted that early goal then the own goal from Meret smashed the vibe but the team bounced back when Raspadori struck a beauty we were all hyped for the win but then Vasquez just rose like a colossus and headed it in at the end it shows you never count anyone out you gotta stay gritty till the final whistle
Gayleen Lowrie
October 6, 2025 AT 01:26While the drama on the pitch was undeniable, it's worth noting the underlying positional discipline that Napoli attempted to maintain despite the setbacks. The switch to Gilmour after Lobotka’s injury was a calculated move to preserve midfield continuity, and the team's quick transition back to attacking shape after the equaliser demonstrated resilience. Maintaining composure after conceding an own‑goal can be mentally taxing, yet the squad managed to regroup and press forward, a testament to the coaching staff’s emphasis on mental fortitude.
Javier cox
October 6, 2025 AT 01:36Man i cant belive how Genoa pulled that off with Vasquez jumpin up like a giraffe 😂 the napoli defense wuz messin up big time after that own goal and they just couldn't get it together at the end lol
Giacinta Pace
October 6, 2025 AT 01:46Great effort by Napoli even though the draw hurts. They showed heart and will bounce back strong in the next game. Keep the faith, fans!
darryl archer
October 6, 2025 AT 01:56One must acknowledge that the prevailing circumstances surrounding the match were, in a manner of speaking, less than exemplary. The errant decision to remove Raspadori in the 80th minute constitutes a strategic faux pas of considerable magnitude. Such an oversight inevitably contributed to the eventual stalemate.
Tyler Tucker
October 6, 2025 AT 02:06What a circus!
julia mutambara
October 6, 2025 AT 02:16Reading through the match report feels like flipping through the pages of a suspense novel, each paragraph unveiling another twist that keeps the reader on edge. The opening goal by Lukaku was a textbook example of clinical finishing, a moment that ignited the hopes of the Neapolitan faithful. Yet, without warning, the narrative took a sudden plunge into chaos when Meret's unfortunate own‑goal served as a stark reminder of football's inherent unpredictability. This incident, though seemingly minor, rippled through the squad, injecting a palpable nervousness that would later manifest in the defensive lapses observed. As the second half unfolded, Raspadori's goal appeared to restore equilibrium, a beacon of optimism that suggested Napoli could reclaim dominance. However, Vasquez's towering header in the dying minutes rewrote the script entirely, delivering a climax that left supporters breathless. The tactical adjustments made by Conte, particularly the substitution of Billing for Raspadori, highlight the fine line between bold innovation and reckless gamble. While some may argue that Billing's introduction was a masterstroke aimed at unsettling the opposition's defensive shape, the outcome suggests a miscalculation that paid dividends to Genoa. From a statistical perspective, Napoli's possession advantage of 58% underscores a proactive approach, yet possession without penetration proved insufficient to secure victory. Moreover, the six corners earned by Napoli reflect an aggressive set‑piece strategy, one that unfortunately failed to yield the decisive edge. The disciplinary record, featuring only two yellow cards for Napoli, indicates a relatively restrained approach to physicality, contrasting with Genoa's slightly higher infractions. The psychological impact of conceding a late goal cannot be overstated; it tests the mental resilience of any team, especially one teetering on the brink of a title. Inter's looming challenge adds another layer of complexity to Napoli's path, as the reduction to a three‑point lead dramatically reshapes the title landscape. Fans, whose chants reverberated through the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, oscillating between elation and despair within a single evening. In hindsight, the match serves as a microcosm of the broader Serie A season – a blend of brilliance, error, and relentless competition. Ultimately, the draw stands as both a cautionary tale and a motivational catalyst, urging the squad to refine their defensive cohesion and maintain relentless focus in the decisive fixtures ahead.
Nelleke Elston
October 6, 2025 AT 02:26Everyone's acting like this draw is the end of the world for Napoli, but honestly it's just another 90 minutes of football and not a prophecy. Sure, the lead shrank, but Inter still has to win their games, and Napoli has two matches left against teams that can be dealt with if they tighten up. Blaming Conte for a single substitution is a bit over the top; managers tweak tactics all the time. The real story is how Genoa fought back, showing that even the underdogs can pull off a miracle when they stay disciplined. So before we start doom‑scrolling, let’s remember that a season isn’t decided by one draw.
Anna Lee
October 6, 2025 AT 02:36Hey Dina, i totally get where you’re coming from!!! The substitution was definitely a head‑scratch, but maybe Conte was trying something out. Still, those tactical slips can feel like a slap in the face for us fans 😅. Let’s hope they sort it out before the Lazio game!!
Daniel Craine
October 6, 2025 AT 02:46Honestly, the whole match was a mess, the defense looked like a sieve, and the midfield was all over the place; the own‑goal was just the icing on the cake! Napoli's lack of discipline is unacceptable, and the coaching staff should be ashamed of their decisions; the fans deserve better.
Kristen VanPamel
October 6, 2025 AT 02:56Drama is the essence of sport, a microcosm of chaos that reflects the human condition.
Reid Vance
October 6, 2025 AT 03:06Fact check: Genoa's corner conversion rate this season is actually among the highest in Serie A, which explains how Vasquez could capitalize so effectively. Additionally, Napoli's expected goals (xG) were slightly higher despite the draw, indicating they still created quality chances.
Wesley Nakamatsu
October 6, 2025 AT 03:16While your statistical observations are noted, they do not absolve the club of its tactical failures nor the erosion of its reputation on the national stage. The recent performance has cast a shadow over Italian football's prestige, demanding immediate corrective action.
Liz Lessner
October 6, 2025 AT 03:26Honestly i think the team need some time to regroup after that shock, the coach will work on the defence and try to fix the gaps, we can all support them and keep the hope alive.
Chance Remien
October 6, 2025 AT 03:36In the grand tapestry of a championship race, each match functions as a thread that can either strengthen or fray the overall weave; Napoli's draw illustrates the delicate balance between confidence and vulnerability, urging a reflective approach to the final fixtures.