When Napoli clashed with Pisa at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on 22 September 2025, the result flashed a 3‑2 win for the hosts, keeping them perched atop the Serie A 2025/26 season. The match, kicking off at 18:45 UTC, drew a packed crowd of 50,312 fans who witnessed five goals, a penalty drama, and a late surge that almost turned the tide.
Match Overview
The atmosphere in Naples was electric. Referee Valerio Crezzini had a busy night, especially after a contentious handball led to a penalty for the visitors in the 60th minute. By the final whistle, Napoli had secured their fourth straight victory, climbing to 12 points from four matches.
Key Moments and Goals
It took just under 40 minutes for the first breakthrough. Billy Gilmour, the Scottish midfielder making his debut for the club, tucked away a perfect cut‑back from Leonardo Spinazzola. Gilmour’s celebration was a quiet fist pump—his first goal for Napoli, and it set the tone.
Porter‑side pressure paid off for Pisa when M'Bala Nzola converted a 60th‑minute penalty after Crezzini finally ruled a Napoli defender’s handball as deliberate. The spot‑kick narrowed the gap to 1‑1, sparking a brief flurry of hopes among the visiting supporters.
Napoli answered with a strike that many described as "spectacular". At 73 minutes, Spinazzola, who had already supplied the assist for Gilmour, unleashed a right‑footed rocket from outside the box that kissed the bottom left corner. The left‑back’s effort, set up by Stanislav Lobotka, restored the lead to 2‑1.
Just nine minutes later, Lorenzo Lucca padded the score to 3‑1. A precise through ball from Scott McTominay split the defense, and Lucca slotted a right‑footed shot into the top right corner. He barely glanced at the crowd, his composure suggesting a veteran’s mindset despite being a relative newcomer.
The drama wasn’t over. In the 90th minute, Pisa’s Brazilian forward Lorran found the net after Samuele Angori cut the ball back from a scramble caused by a loose ball from Giovanni Di Lorenzo. The goal made it 3‑2 and sent a wave of nervous energy through the San Paolo stands, but Napoli held firm for the final seconds.
Tactical Analysis
Napoli’s manager, who chose to start a six‑man midfield, clearly wanted control in the middle of the park. The pairing of Gilmour and McTominay offered both creative spark and physical presence, while veteran Kevin De Bruyne drifted wide, attempting long‑range efforts that rarely hit the target but kept Pisa’s back line honest.
Pisa, on the other hand, deployed a compact 4‑4‑2 that relied on quick transitions. Their strategy paid dividends when they earned the penalty, but the lack of a decisive striker left them vulnerable after conceding the second goal. The late goal by Lorran highlighted the effectiveness of their wing‑back, Angori, who repeatedly battered in crosses.
- Possession: Napoli 58% – Pisa 42%
- Shots on target: Napoli 7 – Pisa 5
- Corners: Napoli 6 – Pisa 3
- Yellow cards: Napoli 2 (Alessandro Buongiorno, Giovanni Di Lorenzo) – Pisa 1 (Alessandro Caracciolo)
Reactions from the Campuses
Post‑match, Napoli’s head coach praised his side’s resilience: “We knew Pisa would push hard after the penalty. The lads showed character, especially Lorenzo, who finished the chance we created.”
Lucca, in a brief interview, said, “Scoring the third was a relief, but I’m more focused on the next game. Every point matters when you’re aiming for the title.”
Pisa’s captain, however, expressed disappointment: “We fought until the end. The penalty gave us a lifeline, but we need to tighten up defensively if we’re to climb out of the relegation zone.”
Implications for the Serie A Table
Napoli’s win means they sit alone at the summit with 12 points, five ahead of second‑placed Juventus, who drew their latest fixture. The flawless start reinforces their campaign as a serious title contender.
Pisa remains mired near the bottom with just one point. The narrow loss underscores the fine margins; a single more goal saved could have turned a defeat into a draw, worth a crucial point in the fight against relegation.
What Lies Ahead
Next week, Napoli travel to Turin to face Juventus. The clash will test whether the blue‑shirts can maintain their perfect record against a seasoned opponent.
Pisa, meanwhile, will host Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. A win could inject much‑needed confidence and perhaps spark a mini‑revival.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Napoli’s win affect their title hopes?
The three‑point swing puts Napoli five points clear of Juventus, the nearest challenger. Maintaining an unbeaten run at this stage creates a psychological edge and forces rivals to play catch‑up.
What went wrong for Pisa’s defense?
Pisa struggled with space behind their full‑backs, especially after Spinazzola’s 73‑minute strike. The late loss of possession by Giovanni Di Lorenzo allowed Angori to deliver a decisive cross, exposing a lack of aerial clearance.
Who was the standout performer?
While all three scorers were vital, Lorenzo Lucca earned a special mention for his clinical finish and composure under pressure, sealing the win at a critical moment.
When is Napoli’s next match?
Napoli travel to Turin for their next Serie A fixture on 29 September 2025, where they will take on Juventus at the Allianz Stadium.
How did the attendance compare to recent games?
The 50,312 spectators marked a 12% rise over Napoli’s opening‑day crowd, reflecting growing excitement as the club remains unbeaten.
Priya Patil
October 1, 2025 AT 21:48What a game, Napoli really showed why they’re on top. The way they bounced back after that penalty was textbook resilience. Gilmour’s debut goal was a proper confidence booster for the squad. This win should cement their belief heading into the Juventus clash.