Naples temporarily regained control of the Italian Championship after its laborious victory at Genoa (2-1) on Saturday during the 17th day. Napoli won thanks to goals from Frank Anguissa, already a scorer last weekend (15th), and Amir Rrahmani (23rd).
Andrea Pinamonti reduced the score after returning from the locker room (51st). Genoa then dominated, but Mario Balotelli, who came on shortly before, narrowly missed the equalizer in the 85th minute. Thanks to this fourth victory in its last five matches, Antonio Conte's team, leader of Serie A between the 6th and 14th days, totals 38 points, one more than Atalanta.
Only 2 points ahead of the red zone for Genoa
“We are lucky to come away with the three points. As much as I really liked our first half, perhaps our best of the season, nothing, absolutely nothing pleased me in our second half”said Antonio Conte after the 150th victory of his career in Serie A. “That’s why I often say that we are still a team under construction that needs time”he added.
The Bergamo club can return to the lead on Sunday (6:00 p.m.) if it secures an eleventh consecutive victory in the league at home against Empoli. After its first defeat since Patrick Vieira took office just a month ago, Genoa fell to 14th place and can finish this 17th day in the danger zone. The oldest Italian club, bought this week by a Romanian businessman, is only two points ahead of the first relegation, Cagliari (18th, 14 pts).
Five days after its rout at home against Inter (6-0), Lazio recovered its head by beating Lecce, reduced to ten men, in the 87th minute (2-1). The Roman club remains 4th with 34 points like Inter (3rd, two matches less).
