Napoli Slip Again: Lukaku and Raspadori Goals Only Enough for a 2-2 Draw Against Genoa

Napoli’s title charge took another worrying hit on Sunday night as they stumbled to a frustrating 2-2 draw at home to Genoa. Despite taking the lead twice, goals from Romelu Lukaku and Giacomo Raspadori were not enough to secure all three points. The result means that Napoli’s slender lead at the top of the Serie A table over Inter Milan has been trimmed to just a single point, reigniting the Scudetto race.

Luciano Spalletti’s side entered the match with high expectations and a clear opportunity to extend their advantage at the summit of the league. However, defensive frailties and a lack of composure in the closing stages saw them surrender their lead not once, but twice, against a resolute and disciplined Genoa side.

A Promising Start for the League Leaders

Napoli started brightly at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, displaying the attacking intent and fluency that has defined their campaign so far. Romelu Lukaku, who was making his fourth consecutive start, opened the scoring midway through the first half with a powerful finish. The Belgian striker latched onto a well-weighted through ball, shrugged off his marker, and drilled a low shot past Genoa’s goalkeeper Josep Martínez. It was a trademark Lukaku goal—strength, speed, and clinical execution—and the home fans erupted with joy.

At that point, Napoli appeared in full control. The midfield, marshalled by Piotr Zieliński and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, was dictating the tempo, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia looked lively on the left flank. Genoa, meanwhile, struggled to cope with Napoli’s high press and were limited to speculative efforts from distance.

However, as has been a recurring theme in recent weeks, Napoli’s defense showed signs of vulnerability. The usually reliable Kim Min-jae and Amir Rrahmani looked nervy under pressure, and Genoa began to grow into the game as the half progressed.

Genoa Fight Back

Just before the break, Genoa stunned the home crowd by equalizing. A quick counterattack down the right flank caught Napoli off-guard, and a precise cross into the box found Genoa’s Albert Guðmundsson unmarked. The Icelandic forward made no mistake, guiding a header into the far corner to make it 1-1.

It was a bitter blow for Napoli, who had dominated the majority of the first half but went into the interval level. Spalletti was visibly frustrated on the sidelines, gesturing angrily at his players as they trudged down the tunnel.

Raspadori Restores the Lead

Napoli responded positively in the second half. The introduction of Giacomo Raspadori just after the hour mark added fresh energy to their attack, and the young Italian wasted little time in making an impact. In the 70th minute, he picked up the ball on the edge of the area, danced past two defenders with impressive footwork, and curled a sublime shot into the top corner. It was a moment of individual brilliance and seemed to have sealed the win for the home side.

The goal reenergized Napoli, and they pushed forward in search of a third. However, their decision to overcommit proved costly once again.

Genoa Capitalize on Defensive Lapses

With just six minutes remaining, Genoa silenced the crowd once more. A corner kick was only half-cleared by Napoli, and in the ensuing chaos, the ball fell kindly to Caleb Ekuban, who poked it into the net from close range. The Napoli defense was caught flat-footed, and goalkeeper Alex Meret could do little to prevent the equalizer.

The final minutes were frantic, with Napoli throwing everything forward, but Genoa held firm. A last-ditch save from Martínez denied Kvaratskhelia deep into stoppage time, preserving the point for the visitors.

Implications for the Title Race

The draw marks a second consecutive underwhelming result for Napoli, who now find themselves just one point ahead of a resurgent Inter Milan. With the season entering its final stretch, every match is taking on increasing importance, and Napoli can ill afford more dropped points.

Luciano Spalletti expressed his disappointment after the match: “We cannot continue to give away leads like this. We had control, but we let it slip. That’s not acceptable if we want to be champions.”

The draw also highlighted some of Napoli’s deeper issues. Their defense, which was once rock-solid, has now conceded four goals in their last two matches. Additionally, their midfield has looked less dynamic, and the burden on Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen—who was unusually quiet tonight—appears to be growing heavier.

Genoa’s Resilience Deserves Praise

For Genoa, the result is a massive boost in their fight to avoid relegation. They showed tremendous character to come back twice in a hostile environment, and their disciplined, counter-attacking style caused real problems for Napoli. Manager Alberto Gilardino praised his side’s fighting spirit: “We knew we would suffer, but we believed in ourselves and fought until the end. This point could be crucial for us.”

The Road Ahead

Napoli now face a crucial period with fixtures against Lazio and Atalanta looming large. Spalletti will need to rally his players and address the defensive lapses that have crept into their game.

With Inter breathing down their necks, the title race is far from over. Napoli may still be in the lead, but their recent form is a reminder that winning the Scudetto requires more than just attacking flair—it demands consistency, discipline, and the ability to close out games.

Can Napoli steady the ship, or will Inter capitalize on their stumbles? The next few weeks will provide the answer.