Napoli’s Title Bid Stumbles as They Settle for Draw Against Bologna

Napoli squandered the opportunity to close the gap to just one point behind Serie A leaders, as a first-half strike from Frank Anguissa was equalised by Dan Ndoye in a 1-1 stalemate against Bologna. This result saw Bologna leapfrog Juventus back into the UEFA Champions League (UCL) positions.

The home side was eager to secure their seventh consecutive win, a feat last accomplished in 1964, but found themselves trailing 1-0 after just 18 minutes. Anguissa latched onto a long pass, showcasing his strength and skill to outmaneuver Sam Beukema, before coolly rounding Łukasz Skorupski and finishing off a brilliant individual goal.

This was Napoli’s first genuine chance of the evening, but it also marked the last action for Bologna’s goalkeeper, who exited the pitch with an injury shortly after.

Federico Ravaglia, his replacement, quickly made an impression by deflecting a shot from Scott McTominay around the post, followed by a brilliant save at the feet of Matteo Politano.

On the flip side, Vincenzo Italiano’s men struggled to demonstrate the same offensive flair that had obliterated Lazio in a recent 5-0 rout at home.

In the first half, their only shot on target was a weak header from Jens Odgaard, which Simone Scuffet comfortably dealt with, while Michel Aebischer’s effort fizzled just off target during injury time.

After the interval, however, Bologna showed greater promise, with Thijs Dallinga forcing the goalkeeper to intervene once more, and Riccardo Orsolini narrowly missing the far corner with a powerful angled shot.

I Rossoblù eventually earned the equaliser they richly deserved in spectacular fashion, as Jens Odgaard played a delightful cut-back to the nimble Ndoye at the near post. With his back to goal, Ndoye somehow flicked the ball home, striking the underside of the crossbar on its way in.

With Bologna having been the team to salvage the most points from losing positions in Serie A this season, it was hardly a surprise when they fought back. What was unexpected was Napoli’s inability to break free from their own half for much of the match.

As the game progressed, they were left narrowly escaping as Scuffet tipped a dangerous free-kick taken by Juan Miranda over the bar. In a dramatic finish, substitute Santiago Castro remarkably squandered a golden chance, sending a rebound wide from mere inches after Emil Holm’s header was brilliantly saved.

This draw means Bologna, who have triumphed in only three of their last 19 meetings against Napoli, are on track to achieve back-to-back UCL qualifications for the first time ever. Meanwhile, Napoli, who had a last-minute effort from Giacomo Raspadori expertly saved after deflecting off Mathías Olivera’s back, are now winless in five away fixtures.

Check out a summary of the match here