Napoli beat Bologna to return to the summit of the Italian league, they stay on the same point as AC Milan but have a better goal difference.
By Kehinde Okeowo
AC Milan’s 1-0 win against Torino on Tuesday, moved them above Napoli, into the top of Serie A.
The win took them 3 points clear of the league leader Napoli, as they were both on 35 points each before the match.
The Naples team, Napoli, responded emphatically on Thursday night, when they beat Bologna 3-0, to return to the top of Serie A on goal difference.
Napoli started the brightest of the two clubs, and unsurprisingly went ahead in the 18th minute when Fabian lashed unto the pass from Eljif Elmas, to open a 1-0 lead for the home side.
They doubled their advantage after Italian midfielder Lorenzo Insigne converted a penalty in the 41st minute after Gary Medel handled the ball in the penalty box.
The referee had earlier ignored the penalty incident before a VAR check, confirmed the Bologna player handled the ball.
Napoli made it 3-0 after the break after Ibrahima Mbaye tripped Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, in the penalty box and Insigne once again put the penalty away.
Bologna made a late rally to get a consolatory goal but Napoli’s Colombian keeper, David Ospina, made sure the home side kept a clean sheet.
Before the match, Bologna’s coach, Siniša Mihajlovic had warned his players to be wary of Osimhen’s movement and class, which ultimately resulted in the third goal.
“He’s even more of a match-winner than Lukaku. What are they feeding him? What’s it they eat in Naples, friarielli? He moves like he’s on a moped. He runs the channels, brings teammates into play, fights for the ball, he’s class. To be fair they did pay €70m” Siniša said.
The win returned Napoli to the top of the Italian League, which was briefly occupied by AC Milan. They both have 28 points but Napoli have a superior goal difference.