Napoli fight back to salvage 2-2 draw at Genoa

Updated: Sep 16, 2023, 10:54 pm

Second-half goals by Giacomo Raspadori and Matteo Politano helped champions Napoli come from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw at promoted Genoa in Serie A on Saturday.

Napoli provisionally moved up to fifth in the standings with seven points from four games.

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Genoa, who returned to Serie A after being relegated in 2021-22, defended well against visiting champions and defender Mattia Bani earned the lead in the 40th minute, sending the ball into the roof of the net following a corner.

Italy forward Mateo Retegui added the second for the hosts after the break with a first-time shot into the bottom left corner.

Napoli were helpless in front of goal and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sent their first shot on target in the 72nd minute but his low effort towards the left corner was easily denied by Genoa keeper Josep Martínez.

But Raspadori gave Napoli hope of a comeback shortly after when he narrowed the deficit with a shot into the top corner.

Giacomo Raspadori scores Napoli's first goal in their 2-2 draw at Genoa in Serie A.
Giacomo Raspadori scores Napoli's first goal in their 2-2 draw at Genoa in Serie A.
Simone Arveda/Getty Images

Encouraged by the goal, Napoli pushed for an equaliser and substitute Politano levelled with a close-range volley six minutes from time, denying Genoa a second win of the season.

"Mine was an important goal but it wasn't enough, we had to win and there is regret because we created many opportunities without managing to materialize them," Politano told Sky Sport.

"We can't afford any more mistakes. From tomorrow morning we'll think about the Champions League."

Napoli, who on Wednesday kick off their Champions League campaign at Braga, next travel to Bologna on Sept. 24 in the league.

Genoa, who are 12th on four points, will travel to Lecce on Friday.