Image Source – EFE /
Two victories, one draw, and one defeat is Rudi Garcia’s record as the new coach of the Italian champion and Real Madrid’s opponent in the group stage of the 2023-24 Champions League.
Napoli stumbled this Saturday against the newly promoted Genoa (2-2), in a match in which they fought for victory in the final moments but ended up marking their second consecutive winless Serie A match in four games for the current ‘Scudetto’ champion and Real Madrid’s rival in the 2023-24 Champions League group stage. Napoli has had a hesitant start to the season.
Two victories, one draw, and one defeat is Rudi Garcia’s record as the new coach of the Italian champion. It’s been an insufficient start to the season for the expectations and hopes of Napoli’s fans, especially considering that not too long ago, the team seemed unbeatable.
While it’s true that the departure of Kim Min Jae left a significant gap in the center of defense, Napoli seems to have lost more defensive solidity than it should. They were clear favorites to win the match, especially after their defeat against Lazio in the previous round and the excellent form of an Inter that shows no signs of stopping. However, Genoa put up a more than respectable fight that nearly earned them all three points.
Only Napoli’s determination managed to break down the defensive structure of Genoa in the final minutes, with two late goals that worried the hosts but were not enough to complete the desired comeback and leave Luigi Ferraris with three points. Genoa had taken a 2-0 lead by the 56th minute, feeling like they had the victory in their hands.
First, Bani scored in the 40th minute, capitalizing on De Winter’s header at the far post ahead of Juan Jesús. Then, in the 56th minute, the naturalized Italian Mateo Retegui scored within the box, picking up a loose ball and making it 2-0.
With their backs against the wall, the only player who provided some clarity was Kvartatskhelia, who was isolated in attack until Garcia brought in Raspadori, a breath of fresh air that ignited the possibility of a comeback with a spectacular goal that found the top corner in the 76th minute, making it 2-1.
With time for a response, Napoli started to gain momentum, while Genoa began to feel the weight of the minutes. So much so that in the 85th minute, with just five minutes left, Napoli equalized with a goal from Politano, thanks to a precise pass from Zielinski, who set him up to fire past Martínez and secure the final 2-2 draw.
Napoli tried until the end, but their comeback only reached a draw, leaving them in fifth place with seven points out of 12 possible, for now. Meanwhile, Genoa, with 4 points out of 12, sits in twelfth place.
GENOA — 2 / 2 — NÁPOLES
