Napoli took another vital step toward lifting the Serie A trophy by securing a narrow 1-0 win over Genoa at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on May 11, 2025. While it wasn’t a goal-fest, the match carried huge implications in the context of the title race. Genoa came in aiming to play spoilers, but Napoli’s resilience, structure, and early goal made the difference.
In this article, we break down the key highlights, player performances, tactical setups, and what this result means for both clubs as the Serie A season nears its conclusion.
Match Summary: Napoli 1-0 Genoa
- Competition: Serie A
- Date: May 11, 2025
- Venue: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples
- Final Score: Napoli 1 – 0 Genoa
- Goal Scorer: Giacomo Raspadori (24’)
Napoli continued their excellent form, securing all three points and holding onto their lead at the top of the table.
Official Starting Line-Ups
Napoli (4-4-2):
- Goalkeeper: Meret
- Defenders: Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Olivera, Spinazzola
- Midfielders: Politano, Anguissa, Lobotka (Gilmour 13’), McTominay
- Forwards: Lukaku, Raspadori
Genoa (3-4-2-1):
- Goalkeeper: Siegrist
- Defenders: Sabelli, Otoa, Vasquez
- Midfielders: Ahanor, Masini, Frendrup, Norton-Cuffy
- Attacking Midfielders: Vitinha, Messias
- Striker: Pinamonti
Notable Change:
Lobotka was forced off early due to injury and was replaced by Billy Gilmour in the 13th minute.
Key Moments of the Match
- 24’ – Raspadori Scores: The striker took advantage of a defensive error to slot the ball past the Genoa goalkeeper.
- 13’ – Tactical Shift: Gilmour replaced the injured Lobotka, slightly altering Napoli’s midfield balance.
- Second Half: Genoa attempted to push forward, but Napoli held strong defensively.
Tactical Breakdown
Napoli’s Game Plan
Manager Antonio Conte opted for a traditional 4-4-2 formation, focusing on strong midfield control and quick wing play.
- McTominay and Anguissa provided balance in the center.
- Spinazzola and Politano kept Genoa’s wide players pinned back.
- Lukaku’s physicality and Raspadori’s mobility allowed them to stretch the Genoa defense.
Genoa’s Tactics
Patrick Vieira lined up his side in a 3-4-2-1 setup, attempting to block the midfield and hit on counters. However, they lacked the final pass and struggled to link up with striker Pinamonti, who was often isolated.
Standout Player Performances
- Giacomo Raspadori – Scored the winning goal and constantly created space in the attacking third.
- Alex Meret – Pulled off key saves in the second half to secure the clean sheet.
- Scott McTominay – Dominated midfield duels and showed leadership in Lobotka’s absence.
- Sabelli (Genoa) – Made important defensive contributions despite the loss.
What This Result Means
For Napoli
- This win keeps Napoli at the top of the table with just two matches remaining.
- Confidence is high, and even with Lobotka’s injury, the squad depth looks capable.
- They are now in control of their own destiny as the Scudetto inches closer.
For Genoa
- Mid-table safety seems likely, but the lack of cutting edge in the final third is a concern.
- With limited fixtures left, they can now begin planning for the next season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who scored the winning goal in Napoli vs Genoa?
A: Giacomo Raspadori scored the only goal in the 24th minute.
Q2: What formation did Napoli use?
A: Napoli used a 4-4-2 setup with Lukaku and Raspadori as strikers.
Q3: Why did Lobotka leave the pitch early?
A: Lobotka was substituted due to a minor injury. Gilmour replaced him in midfield.
Q4: Did Genoa pose any threat to Napoli?
A: Genoa had some possession in the second half but lacked a clinical touch in the final third.
Q5: How does this match affect the Serie A title race?
A: Napoli’s win puts them in a commanding position, maintaining their lead over Inter Milan.
Napoli’s Road to the Title Continues
Napoli delivered a professional, composed performance against Genoa to secure a vital win. While it wasn’t a flashy display, the result mattered most. With just two games left, Napoli now has one hand on the Serie A trophy.
Whether they can maintain momentum and overcome any late pressure will be the focus of the final weeks.
👉 What’s your prediction for Napoli’s next match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
