Kvaratskhelia's Penalty Keeps Napoli Top of Serie A with Narrow Win

Napoli will remain at the top of Serie A for at least another week. On Sunday, Antonio Conte's side claimed a hard-fought victory in Empoli, where the hosts had yet to lose or concede this season.

Serie A 2024/2025: Results & Standings

Napoli entered the match as clear favorites, but the first half was dominated by Empoli. Less than 15 minutes in, Napoli's goalkeeper was forced into action twice, saving shots from Esposito and Pezzella. And that was just the beginning—Napoli struggled to get anything going in attack before halftime, while Empoli's high pressing constantly disrupted Conte’s team, leading to frequent turnovers.

The game changed when Romelu Lukaku, who had been ineffective, was replaced by Giovanni Simeone. Simeone’s energy instantly rattled the Empoli defense. His first attempt was blocked, but Matteo Politano quickly pounced on the loose ball and was brought down by Anjorin inside the box. While the penalty decision was debated, a VAR review upheld it. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia coolly slotted home from the spot—Napoli's only shot on target all game.

That single goal was enough, as Empoli lacked the firepower to break through. Napoli held firm, securing a vital 1-0 win and maintaining their grip at the top of Serie A.

2024-25, Italy - Serie A

Empoli - Napoli 0:1 (0:0)
Goals: Kvaratskhelia, 63 (penalty) (0:1)

Empoli: Vasquez D.; Goglichidze S. (Henderson L., 78); Pezzella; Viti M.; Ismajli; Grassi (Solbakken, 72); Fazzini (Ekong, 79); Anjorin (Haas, 79); Gyasi E.; Colombo (Konate I., 86); Esposito Se.
Bench: Seghetti; Brancolini; De Sciglio; Tosto L.; Marianucci; Sambia; Cacace; Pellegri P.
Yellow Cards: Grassi 33; Haas 96

Napoli: Caprile; Buongiorno; Rrahmani Am.; Di Lorenzo; Gilmour B.; McTominay; Politano (Mazzocchi, 86); Spinazzola (Olivera M., 59); Kvaratskhelia (Neres, 76); Zambo Anguissa André-Frank; Lukaku R. (Simeone, 59)
Bench: Turi; Contini N.; Juan Jesus; Marín Ra.; Folorunsho; Zerbin; Ngongé; Raspadori
Yellow Cards: Zambo Anguissa André-Frank 37; Di Lorenzo 76

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