Napoli staged a remarkable comeback to secure a crucial 3-1 victory against Udinese in an away match, with Romelu Lukaku playing a pivotal role alongside contributions from David Neres and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa.
The Partenopei entered the match under pressure after suffering two consecutive defeats to Lazio, which resulted in their exit from the Coppa Italia and the loss of their Serie A lead to Atalanta. With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sidelined due to injury, Neres was given just his second league start for Napoli.
Udinese missed several key players, including Maduka Okoye and Gerard Deulofeu, although Isaak Touré returned from suspension. The match began with both teams creating opportunities, but it was Udinese who drew first blood. A penalty was awarded when Stanislav Lobotka inadvertently handled the ball in the box. Florian Thauvin stepped up to take the penalty, which was initially saved by Napoli’s goalkeeper Alex Meret, but Thauvin converted the rebound to put Udinese ahead.
Despite falling behind, Napoli responded strongly after halftime. Lukaku capitalized on a through ball from Scott McTominay, maneuvering past Udinese defenders to score the equalizer. The momentum shifted further in Napoli’s favor when Neres executed a brilliant run through the penalty area, resulting in an own goal by Lautaro Giannetti as he attempted to clear the danger.
With confidence surging, Napoli took control of the match. Giovanni Simeone set up Anguissa, who found space in the defense and fired home Napoli’s third goal, sealing a vital win for the team.
Goals: Thauvin 22 (U), Lukaku 50 (N), Giannetti og 76 (N), Anguissa 81 (N)
Udinese (3-4-2-1): Sava; Kristensen, Bijol, Giannetti (dall’83’ Iker Bravo); Ehizibue (70′ Kamara), Karlstrom, Lovric (34′ Atta), Zemura (83′ Rui Modesto); Thauvin, Ekkelenkamp (83′ Abankwah)
Napoli (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka (’89 Gilmour), McTominay; Politano (85′ Ngonge), Lukaku (’80’ Simeone), Neres (85′ Raspadori)
