Genoa 2-3 Napoli – Hojlund praises ‘amazing’ Vergara, Vergara: ‘I hope for Italy call-up’ | OneFootball

Rasmus Hojlund and Antonio Vergara hailed each other after Napoli snatched a dramatic late victory away to Genoa, sealing the win with a nervy stoppage-time penalty despite being down to 10 men.

Højlund converted from the spot and admitted it was far from perfect, but praised the impact of Vergara, who won the decisive penalty.

“Obviously, we worked to the last minute, it was nerve-wracking and a big responsibility,” Højlund said to DAZN.

“I was glad to see it go in, but I probably need to train a bit more on penalties.

GENOA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 7: Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli (right) celebrates with his teammate Eljif Elmas after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on February 7, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

“I was very lucky, but in the end we got the goal and I’m happy that we won with one man less. We fought to the last second. Vergara won the penalty, he’s been amazing in the last month and a half and he’s getting more and more confident.”

Napoli hero Vergara dreams of Italy call-up

Vergara, for his part, had no doubts about the decision.

“I felt the touch, I was certain it was a penalty, and I thought: how wonderful!” he said. “These points feel like they were worth double.

“We never give up, we won’t give up even a millimetre. When Ale came off, we were all there to comfort him, because we know he’s a fantastic player.”

The youngster also admitted he is dreaming of an international breakthrough.

NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Antonio Vergara of SSC Napoli scores his sides first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

After Napoli have been reduced to a barebones squad through injury, Vergara has seen more minutes as of late.

After scoring his first goal for the club against Chelsea, he followed it up with a goal and an assist against Fiorentina. This evening, he won the penalty for Napoli’s winner.

“I really hope for an Italy call-up. I’m sorry I didn’t play the way I wanted to today, but if we win, then I’m happy.”