Napoli punish Juventus as one tackle sparks outrage and Højlund steals the show

Napoli move back to the top

Napoli returned to first place in Serie A after a 2-1 home win over Juventus. The victory moved the champions one point above Inter and created an eight-point gap over Juventus. For visiting coach Luciano Spalletti, it was a chance to beat the side he led to the title in 2023. Instead, his team were beaten by Antonio Conte’s more direct and aggressive Napoli. The match had energy, controversy, and decisive finishing.

Højlund strikes early

Napoli made the perfect start after seven minutes. David Neres sprinted down the right wing and left Teun Koopmeiners behind. His low cross reached the near post, and Rasmus Højlund arrived faster than Lloyd Kelly, finishing first time past goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. Napoli nearly doubled their lead later when Giovanni Di Lorenzo met a cross from Noa Lang, but Di Gregorio reacted quickly to push the header away.

Juventus tried to respond but lacked accuracy. Kenan Yildiz set up Francisco Conceição, but the winger lifted his shot high over the bar. Before half-time, Napoli struck the post when Scott McTominay met another Lang cross with a strong header. Juventus reached the break still alive, but Napoli looked more dangerous and confident.

Controversy changes the mood

Ten minutes after the restart, the game turned emotional. Pierre Kalulu made a studs-up challenge on Mathías Olivera’s ankle. Napoli’s players demanded a red card, but the referee showed only a yellow. The decision angered the home team and fans. Moments later, Juventus used that moment to equalize. A clever midfield passing move spread the ball wide to Weston McKennie. He crossed toward Yildiz, who got in front of his marker and directed the ball across the goalkeeper into the far corner.

Højlund finishes the job

The decisive moment came 12 minutes from time. A big cross toward the far post seemed harmless, but McKennie headed the ball back into the danger area. Højlund reacted instantly, taking advantage of the mistake and scoring from close range. It was his fourth goal of the season and a classic striker’s finish. Juventus could not find another answer, and Napoli celebrated three points that might define the title race.