Napoli achieved their first victory under new coach Antonio Conte, defeating Bologna 3-0, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia playing a pivotal role by scoring one goal and assisting another for Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
Following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Verona, Napoli was eager to bounce back. The team faced some uncertainty with potential transfers involving Victor Osimhen, Michael Folorunsho, and Mario Rui. Despite concerns over injuries, both Alessandro Buongiorno and Kvaratskhelia started the match. Bologna, on the other hand, missed key players Nicolò Cambiaghi, Oussama El Azzouzi, and Lewis Ferguson.
The match began with Giacomo Raspadori narrowly missing a chance within the first minute. Bologna’s Martin Erlic was forced off due to injury early in the game. Napoli’s Matteo Politano had a shot saved, while goalkeeper Alex Meret made a crucial stop against Santiago Castro.
Kvaratskhelia nearly scored with a header that hit the crossbar before Napoli took the lead just before halftime. A brilliant team play culminated in Di Lorenzo scoring after a clever assist from Kvaratskhelia, who skillfully lifted the ball over the defense.
After the break, Politano missed another opportunity, but Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead with a fortunate deflection. His celebration was a heartfelt tribute to his newborn son, Damiane.
In the closing moments, David Neres made his debut and quickly contributed by assisting Giovanni Simeone, who sealed the victory with a goal from close range.
Goals: Di Lorenzo 45+2 (N), Kvaratskhelia 75 (N), Simeone 94 (N)
Napoli (3-4-2-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno; Mazzocchi (dal 77′ Spinazzola), Anguissa, Lobotka, Olivera; Politano (dall’88’ David Neres), Kvaratskhelia; Raspadori (dall’84’ Simeone).
Bologna (4-3-3): Skorupski; Posch, Erlic (dal 19′ Lucumi), Beukema, Lykogiannis (dal 63′ Miranda); Moro, Freuler, Aebischer (dall’80’ Fabbian); Orsolini (dal 63′ Karlsson), Ndoye (dal 63′ Odgaard), Castro
