Serie A | Napoli 2-1 Genoa – Hojlund makes it three in two games | OneFootball

Napoli picked up a valuable three points against Patrick Vieira’s Genoa, who had led at the interval through Jeff Ekhator. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Rasmus Hojlund came up with the goals for Antonio Conte’s side in Serie A on Sunday afternoon.

The headline team news was the absence of star signing Kevin De Bruyne from the starting line-up at the Maradona. Gabriele Oriali has explained that this was a ‘technical choice’ made by the coach. David Neres was called in to replace the Belgian.

You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Frank Anguissa of SSC Napoli scores his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Genoa CFC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 05, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Napoli had been expected to dominate, and while they did enjoy the majority of the possession in the opening period, Genoa’s work off the ball made it difficult for Conte’s side to create any clear-cut chances.

The first shot on target did not arrive until the 33rd minute, and it proved to be costly for the Partenopei.

Brooke Norton-Cuffy did brilliantly to round Mathias Olivera in the penalty area and make it to the byline, and then had plenty of space to pick out Jeff Ekhator in the middle. The teenager only had to put his foot out to poke home from close range.

In the end, Napoli had to wait for almost an hour for their first effort on target to arrive. And, like Genoa in the first half they made it count.

Leonardo Spinazzola’s cross was aimed at De Bruyne in the middle, the Belgian tried to connect but saw the ball loop upwards. Fortunately, Anguissa was alert behind him and stuck his neck out to head home on the follow-up.

NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Frank Anguissa of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Genoa CFC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 05, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The comeback was complete with a quarter of an hour left to play. De Bruyne sent in a cross from the left, McTominay brought it down, Anguissa’s shot was blocked, but Hojlund was on home to slam in the rebound for his third goal in two matches.

Sunday’s result means that Napoli go back to the top of the Serie A standings, level on points with Roma, who were also victorious on Sunday. Milan could also draw level with those two if they beat Juventus this evening.

Genoa, meanwhile, are still without a win in Serie A this season and will head into the international break in 19th place in the standings, despite a largely encouraging performance at the Maradona.

Napoli 2-1 Genoa

Ekuban (G) 33′, Anguissa (N) 57′, Hojlund (N) 75′.

NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Genoa CFC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 05, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)