Napoli drop to second after draw with Genoa

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:56 am

Napoli's hot streak came to an end at Genoa as dropped points from a goalless draw saw them surrender top spot to reigning Serie A champions Juventus.

Boosted by the goals of Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik, last season's runners-up had stormed into the early lead in 2016-17, but they hit a brick wall at the Luigi Ferraris.

Marek Hamsik hit the bar in the first half with Jose Callejon enjoying a pair of promising chances after the break, but it was perhaps Genoa who should have won through a late Giovanni Simeone effort.

With six goals from his last four appearances in Azzurro, Milik led the line at the Marassi, flanked by Callejon and Dries Mertens, but the former Ajax player was set to have a quiet night.

Hamsik surpassed Genoa's tight defence to clatter the frame of Mattia Perin's goal in the 19th minute and Milik drew a stop from the young goalkeeper when meeting Faouzi Ghoulam's cross with his head.

After the break Raul Albiol launched himself at Callejon's corner kick, only to nod the ball wide.

Maurizio Sarri reorganised his Napoli side with Lorenzo Insigne replacing the anonymous Mertens and playmaker Piotr Zielinski entering the fray at Allan's expense.

Callejon came sniffing in the 71st minute, the Spanish winger lifting Hamsik's assist over the bar before Insigne raced from a deep position to stick the ball straight into Perin's gloves.

Napoli looked increasingly devoid of ideas and low on energy as time ticked away and it was therefore just as well that Jose Reina had kept his focus across 90 minutes.

Just when it looked like a point was a certainty, former River Plate striker Simeone - the son of Atletico Madrid boss Diego - made Reina pull off an incredible save to protect the stalemate.

With Juve winning 4-0 at home to Cagliari, Napoli are now a point off first place with Roma, Chievo and Inter Milan all hot on their heels in a share of third. The Azzurri remain unbeaten this term.

Genoa, meanwhile, have a game in hand and are safely ensconced in mid-table after four matches.