Victory in 2026/27 Serie A curtain-raiser
Two late goals saw Napoli overcome Genoa on the opening day of the new league season.
The deadlock in a tight affair at the Marassi was finally broken in the 82nd minute when two substitutes teamed up: Kevin De Bruyne played a one-two with Antonio Vergara then won a challenge before finishing inside the near post.
Five minutes later, the favour was returned as De Bruyne's low cross found Vergara in the box after Lorenzo Lucca's dummy and the Neapolitan midfielder wrapped up the points.
Massimiliano Allegri ran the rule over his side's performance after the final whistle:
“The first game is always a bit of an unknown and this was a tricky match. Genoa played really well and we had to defend a lot in the first half.
“We did better in the second half. We were in control and then we managed to get the goals we deserved at the end. I'm happy with the players who came on. The team looked solid.
“We have to keep working because the Champions League is starting soon and we need to use our resources well.”
Kevin De Bruyne offered his take after playing a key role with his opening goal:
“I'm happy to have got the goal that broke the deadlock in a tough match. I hope I can go through the season without injuries so that I can help the team.
“I've been playing football for many years and I'd like to have no injuries to show this amazing team what I can do and help them achieve great things.”
Genoa 0-2 Napoli (HT 0-0)
Scorers: De Bruyne 82, Vergara 87.
GENOA: Bijlow; Marcandalli, Ostigard (Otoa 67) , Vasquez; Norton-Cuffy, Frendrup, Amorim (Sow 75), Ellertsson; Baldanzi (Messias 66), Vitinha, Colombo (Meichtry 75).
Coach: De Rossi.
NAPOLI: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Rafa Marin (Olivera 81), Spinazzola, Anguissa (De Bruyne 67), Lobotka, McTominay; Politano (Vergara 67), Alisson Santos (Noa Lang 67), Hojlund (Lucca 78).
Coach: Allegri.
Referee: Di Bello.
Booked: Politano, Baldanzi.
