Napoli needed two late goals to snatch a 2-2 draw against Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Matchday 4 of Serie A on Saturday, as an underwhelming start to their title defence continued.
Trailing to goals from Matteo Bani and Mateo Retegui, the Partenopei needed substitutes Giacomo Raspadori and Matteo Politano to rescue them, with the latter netting an equaliser with a wonderful late volley.
Napoli have picked up seven points so far this season, but have lacked the fluid attacking style that saw them win the league title last term.
Napoli’s unconvincing title defence
Having coasted to the Serie A title last season, Napoli saw coach Luciano Spalletti depart and former AS Roma tactician Rudi Garcia come in. It’s safe to say that the Frenchman’s arrival has failed to inspire the champions so far, with a laboured 3-1 win over Frosinone and a 2-0 victory over 10-man Sassuolo hardly setting pulses racing.
Napoli then fell to a 3-1 defeat against a Lazio side who have lost all three of their other matches this season, and the disappointing performance in Genoa only adds to the early pressure on Garcia.
With Inter looking dominant already following a 5-1 annihilation of rivals AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina, Napoli are playing catch-up and their defence of the scudetto already looks to be under considerable threat.
Ferraris fortress for Genoa
Genoa’s promotion from Serie B last season was built on a phenomenal home record and the Grifone will need to build on their fortress status at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris if they are to preserve their top flight status this term.
Alberto Gilardino’s side had the backing of a raucous home crowd and his side looked motivated from the off, with early chances created and plenty of intrigue in attack. Genoa were solid and well structured in defence, whilst the mobility of Italy Men’s National Team striker Retegui offered an outlet in attack.
Having already overcome Lazio this term, Genoa have shown that they can mix it with the bigger teams and a solid record in front of their own fans will give them confidence of survival. Upcoming matches against Roma and Milan at the Marassi will be the real test of the Rossoblu’s strength at home.
Ruthless Retegui offers hope to Azzurri
Bursting onto the scene with an international call-up in March after impressing for Tigres in Argentina, it has been a whirlwind year for Retegui and he looks to be an astute signing for Genoa.
The Azzurri international showed his killer instincts with a ruthless finish on the turn in the box and he has netted four goals in five matches in all competitions since his arrival in Italy.
Every newly-promoted team needs a prolific striker to keep them in the top flight and in Retegui, Genoa look to have sourced the goals to propel them to safety this term. Indeed, the 24-year-old has shown flashes of a prime Gilardino and the coach will be delighted with his early impact.
