Serie A leaders Napoli maintained their position at the top of the table with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Empoli at the Stadio Carlo Castellani. The match was decided by a late Khvicha Kvaratskhelia penalty, as the visitors struggled to break down a determined Empoli side.
The home team, still unbeaten before this encounter, started brightly and created several early chances. Sebastiano Esposito tested ex-Empoli goalkeeper Elia Caprile with a powerful volley, while Giuseppe Pezzella also forced a save from the Napoli keeper.
Napoli, missing key players Stanislav Lobotka and Alex Meret, gave Billy Gilmour his first Serie A start alongside Scott McTominay. The visitors had their own opportunities, with Alessandro Buongiorno’s header cleared off the line and Esposito’s low shot expertly saved by Caprile.
The breakthrough came late in the game when substitute Giovanni Simeone’s impact led to a penalty. Tino Anjorin’s foul on Matteo Politano in the box gave Kvaratskhelia the chance to score from the spot, which he calmly converted.
Despite McTominay coming close to doubling the lead, Napoli’s attacking prowess was largely contained by Empoli’s resolute defense. The single goal proved enough for the league leaders to secure all three points and maintain their position at the summit of Serie A.
Goals: Kvaratskhelia pen 63 (N)
Empoli (3-5-2): Vasquez; Goglichidze (79’ Henderson), Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Anjorin (79’ Haas), Grassi (74’ Solbakken), Fazzini (79’ Ekong), Pezzella; Esposito, Colombo (85′ Konate). All. D’Aversa
Napoli (4-3-3): Caprile; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Spinazzola (60′ Olivera); Anguissa, Gilmour, McTominay; Politano (85′ Mazzocchi), Kvaratskhelia (76’ Neres); Lukaku (60′ Simeone). All. Conte
