Napoli overcame Cagliari 2-1 at home on Saturday in a Serie A clash that saw the champions climb to fourth in the standings, revitalizing their season’s campaign. The win at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium was crucial for Napoli, who have had a challenging run in their home games this season.
Napoli’s victory brings their tally to 27 points from 16 games, placing them 11 points behind league leaders Inter Milan and two points above fifth-placed AS Roma. This match marked an improvement in Napoli’s home game performance, which had previously seen them gain only one point from their last four league matches at the stadium.
The game’s start was delayed by 30 minutes due to safety checks on the stadium’s roof, caused by strong winds affecting fan entry. In the first half, Napoli defender Amir Rrahmani came close to scoring, hitting the post with a header around the 30-minute mark. Despite Napoli’s early dominance, the first half ended without any goals.
In the 69th minute, Victor Osimhen, recently crowned African Footballer of the Year, headed Napoli into the lead. His effort was initially deflected onto the post by Cagliari keeper Simone Scuffet but bounced back into the net. This goal marks Osimhen’s seventh in Serie A this season, a notable achievement considering his recent absence due to a hamstring injury.
Cagliari forward Leonardo Pavoletti equalized three minutes later, scoring from close range and briefly dampening the spirits of the Napoli fans. However, Napoli’s lead was restored 15 minutes from full time by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who scored off a setup from Osimhen, with the ball again bouncing in off the post.
Matteo Politano almost extended Napoli’s lead with a low shot from outside the box, but his goal was disallowed for offside. Despite the competitive play, Cagliari, who have struggled against Napoli in Serie A, are in 16th place with 13 points.
This victory is a significant boost for Napoli, showcasing their resilience and ability to secure crucial points in the tight race of the Serie A standings.
