Napoli returned to winning ways in Serie A after last Sunday’s home upset against Lazio, beating Udinese 3-1 at the Bluenergy Stadium. Antonio Conte’s side overturned a halftime deficit to maintain a two-point distance on table-topping Atalanta.
With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia injured, there were questions over Napoli’s capacity to outperform on the road, especially after their recent struggle for form. The game didn’t start well for the Partenopei as Stanislav Lobotka handled the ball inside his 18-yard box, sending Florian Thauvin to the spot in the 22nd minute. Though Alex Meret thwarted Thauvin’s attempt from the spot, the Frenchman pounced on the rebound to put Udinese in front.
Despite creating several decent half-chances for the remainder of the first half, Napoli failed to draw level before halftime. Yet, they only needed five minutes after the break to restore parity when Scott McTominay released Romelu Lukaku with a defense-splitting pass. The Belgian striker showcased his strength and composure, shrugging off his marker before finishing with aplomb.
Napoli turned the game on its head in the 76th minute through Lautaro Giannetti’s bizarre own goal, which followed David Neres’ superb solo run. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa put the game to bed five minutes later, bursting through the middle before firing home beneath Razvan Sava.
Conte's fury at the previous week's results seemed to galvanize the players, as they delivered a performance worthy of champions on the road. This win marked their return from two consecutive defeats, disrupting their early season momentum. With this triumph, Napoli moved closer to the title race, sitting just behind Atalanta.
Udinese, on the other hand, started the season strong but endured a dismal spell of one point from five rounds before bouncing back with a 2-1 victory against Monza. Coach Andrea Sottil will need to motivate his team to rediscover their earlier form, especially as they failed to win any of their last 17 matches against Napoli.
The game was considered pivotal, not only for Napoli’s title aspirations but also for building confidence amid injuries, particularly the significant absence of Kvaratskhelia. David Neres, who filled the gap left by Kvaratskhelia, was instrumental, contributing to the attack effectively, leading to speculations about his rising role within the squad.
Looking at player performances, goalkeeper Alex Meret shined with key saves, including the penalty stop, earning him praise for his resilience. The defense also appeared more organized as the game progressed, with Mathias Olivera and Alessandro Buongiorno stepping up when needed. Standout mid-fielder Scott McTominay was seen as the driving force throughout the encounter, orchestring play and providing the assist for Lukaku’s equalizer.
Despite Udinese taking the lead, Conte expressed confidence as he noted: “We should not let the result confuse us, we were trailing 1-0, but we controlled the game from start to finish.” The coach looked forward, indicating his trust in the team's overall structure and persistence, pushing for more high-pressing gameplay.
The victory was sweet for Napoli, marking their first triumph at the Stadio Friuli since September 2021. Their resilience and ability to recover from adversity showed their potential to stay competitive as the season progresses.
This win also sets Napoli up well for upcoming fixtures, with the next matches being even more significant as they aim to challenge for the Serie A title.
Lukaku's equalizer was particularly important as it lifted team spirits and reaffirmed his goal-scoring capabilities, making headlines across sports outlets. His overall tally for the season now stands at six goals, demonstrating his continuing impact on the team's success.
With Napoli showing determination and skill, it raises the question of how far they can go this season, especially with the title race so close. Keeping their momentum alive will be key as they strive to put pressure on Atalanta and reclaim the league's top position.
To summarize, Napoli’s comeback win over Udinese is more than just three points; it’s about reigniting their championship aspirations after facing setbacks due to injuries and tactical challenges. Their ability to adapt under pressure is what makes them serious contenders this season.
