Napoli’s Dramatic Victory: A Sign of Resilience in Serie A?
Napoli secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Genoa on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in a match filled with drama, penalties, and a late winning goal. The win, sealed by a 95th-minute penalty from Rasmus Hojlund, highlights a growing resilience within Antonio Conte’s squad, despite a persistent injury crisis.
Early Setback and Napoli’s Response
The match began with a swift blow for Napoli, as Genoa was awarded a penalty within the first 15 seconds. Ruslan Malinovskyi converted, giving Genoa an early lead. However, Napoli quickly responded, turning the score around with goals from Hojlund and Scott McTominay within a two-minute span. McTominay’s goal, a powerful strike from 25 meters, showcased the team’s attacking capabilities.
Second-Half Challenges and a Contentious Finish
Genoa leveled the score through Lorenzo Colombo, and the game took another turn when Napoli’s Juan Jesus received a red card in the 76th minute. Despite being a man down, Napoli continued to push for a winner. The decisive moment came in the 95th minute when a penalty was awarded to Napoli after a foul on Antonio Vergara. Hojlund calmly converted the penalty, securing the victory.
Conte’s Perspective: Resilience Amidst Adversity
Antonio Conte emphasized the team’s resilience, stating that they “carried it home with suffering, giving everything.” He acknowledged the numerous challenges the team has faced, including a long list of injuries to key players like Giovanni Di Lorenzo, David Neres, and Kevin De Bruyne. The win is seen as a potential turning point after a hard January.
McTominay’s Injury and Conte’s Reaction
Scott McTominay sustained an injury during the match, prompting a wry comment from Conte, who jokingly offered to play himself. This highlights the severity of the injury situation and Conte’s frustration with the team’s mounting injury list.
De Rossi’s Disappointment and Concerns About the State of the Game
Genoa’s coach, Daniele De Rossi, expressed his disappointment with the late penalty decision and voiced concerns about the current state of the game, questioning the interpretation of fouls and the overall direction of the sport. He felt his team was “naive” but questioned the standards being applied.
The Rise of Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund’s brace, including the crucial penalty, marks a significant moment for the player. It was his first Serie A goal of 2026, and his performance demonstrates his ability to deliver under pressure. He has now scored eight goals in Serie A this season.
Looking Ahead: Napoli’s Title Aspirations
This victory keeps Napoli within six points of league leaders Inter, maintaining their challenge for the Serie A title. Conte stressed the need for reflection on the team’s transfer strategy and the limitations of their youth system as they look to build for the future.
FAQ
Q: Who scored the winning goal for Napoli?
A: Rasmus Hojlund scored the winning goal from a penalty in the 95th minute.
Q: What caused the penalty in the 95th minute?
A: A foul committed by Maxwel Cornet on Antonio Vergara led to the penalty.
Q: How many players are currently injured for Napoli?
A: Napoli is currently missing several key players, including Giovanni Di Lorenzo, David Neres, Kevin De Bruyne, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, and Billy Gilmour.
Q: What did Daniele De Rossi say about the penalty decision?
A: De Rossi expressed his disappointment and questioned the clarity of the rules regarding fouls, suggesting the game has changed.
Did you realize? Napoli survived a penalty awarded after just 15 seconds and played a significant portion of the match with ten men.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Rasmus Hojlund’s performance – he’s quickly becoming a key player for Napoli.
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