Napoli’s quest to defend their Serie A title continued with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over newly-promoted Pisa, extending their perfect start to the season. Lorenzo Lucca’s decisive 82nd-minute goal proved to be the difference, securing Napoli’s fourth consecutive win and maintaining their position at the top of the table with 12 points. This victory placed them two points ahead of Juventus, who stumbled to a draw against Verona, and three points clear of both Roma and AC Milan. The win, however, was far from comfortable, highlighting the challenges Napoli face in balancing domestic and European competitions.
Manager Antonio Conte acknowledged the pressure that comes with defending the Scudetto, especially with the integration of new players into the squad. He emphasized the difficulty of adapting to the demanding schedule of playing every three days, particularly in the aftermath of their Champions League defeat to Manchester City. Conte pointed to the experience gap between Napoli and other established European contenders, stressing the need for patience as his team adjusts to the rhythm of juggling multiple competitions. The performance against Pisa underscored this point, as Napoli seemed to struggle with fatigue and maintaining consistency throughout the match.
The game itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams exchanging blows. Billy Gilmour opened the scoring with his first professional goal, a deflected effort in the 39th minute that gave Napoli an early lead. However, Pisa responded tenaciously, equalizing in the 60th minute through M’Bala Nzola’s calmly converted penalty. This setback spurred Napoli back into action, and Leonardo Spinazzola, in his first goal since February, unleashed a stunning long-range strike to restore their advantage in the 73rd minute.
Lucca’s late winner, a powerful finish against his former club, appeared to seal the victory for Napoli, but the drama didn’t end there. A late defensive lapse by Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who had a difficult week following his red card against Manchester City, gifted Pisa a second goal in the 90th minute, scored by Lorran. This late surge created a tense finale, as Pisa pushed for an equalizer in the dying moments. Despite the late scare, Napoli held on to secure the three points, albeit in a less convincing manner than their previous performances.
The narrow victory exposed some vulnerabilities in Napoli’s squad, particularly their defensive frailties and the struggle to maintain intensity after a demanding European fixture. Despite the win, Conte expressed concerns about his team’s ability to manage the physical and mental toll of playing in multiple competitions. He emphasized the need for patience and adaptation as his team finds its footing in the challenging season ahead.
The win, while crucial for maintaining their lead in Serie A, also served as a learning experience for Napoli. It highlighted the importance of squad depth and the need for greater consistency in their performances. The upcoming match against AC Milan at the San Siro promises to be another tough test, and Napoli will need to improve their performance if they are to continue their unbeaten run and solidify their position as title contenders. The pressure, as Conte acknowledged, is on, and Napoli’s ability to navigate the challenges ahead will be crucial in determining their success this season.
