Napoli beat Bologna as Lobotka scores rare decisive goal

Massimiliano Allegris time as Napoli head coach has not gone well far. The team had won one of their first five matches before facing Bologna in Naples. Their 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the Champions League earlier in the week showed again that Napoli lacked attacking power. That problem was clearly visible during much of the half.

Match highlight

Napoli began the game with energy. Created a few early chances. Antonio Vergara headed wide from a position. Kevin De Bruyne fired over the bar when he should have tested Bologna goalkeeper Massimo Pessina. Napoli controlled the ball for most of the half but struggled to break down a disciplined Bologna defence.

Bologna nearly took the lead before halftime. Arthur Theate headed a free-kick into the net. The goal was chalked off after a tight offside call.

Allegri made a change at halftime. He brought on Noa Lang. The winger immediately brought pace and urgency to the attack. He drove forward. Fired a low shot that went just wide of the post.

Napoli kept possession. Looked like they might score shortly after the hour mark. Rasmus Hojlund headed toward goal. The effort was ruled out. The home crowd grew more anxious as the minutes passed without a breakthrough.

Then finally Napoli found the lead.

Lobotka spotted space near the goal. Sent a low shot through Pessina to put Napoli ahead. It was the fourth goal in 244 appearances for Lobotka at Napoli. The goal was unlikely. It proved to be a crucial moment.

Napoli did not suddenly become an attacking force after taking the lead. Hojlund came close to doubling the advantage by trying to chip the ball over Pessina from inside the box.. Napoli could not find the second goal that would have made the final minutes feel safer.

Bologna needed to step up and attack more in search of an equaliser.. They were unable to create real chances despite having the ball. Napoli remained the threatening side even if scoring opportunities stayed limited.

The home team managed the minutes without major problems. They held on to win. The victory ended their losing streak.. It gave Allegri some relief after a tough start to his tenure.

It also preserved Allegri’s record against Bologna. As a manager he has now faced them 27 times—20 wins and seven draws. Bologna coach Domenico Tedesco served a suspension for this match. He is still waiting for his league win since taking charge in the summer.

Napoli were not, at their best.. Lobotka’s rare goal was enough to restart their season.