Napoli endured a volatile match at Luigi Ferraris stadium on 7/2. In just the second minute, an errant back-pass from Alessandro Buongiorno led to goalkeeper Alex Meret fouling Vitinha in the penalty area. Following a video assistant referee (VAR) review, Genoa was awarded a penalty, which Ruslan Malinovskyi converted with a shot down the middle to open the scoring.

Rasmus Hojlund celebrates the decisive goal in Napoli's 3-2 victory over Genoa in Serie A round 24 on 7/2/2026. Photo: Reuters

Falling behind early, Napoli quickly responded with two consecutive goals, both featuring Scott McTominay. In the 20th minute, the Scottish midfielder's shot from outside the box was saved by goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, but Hojlund pounced on the rebound to slot into an empty net, leveling the score. A minute later, McTominay scored with a powerful shot from about 20 meters, finding the far corner to make it 2-1.

However, McTominay could not continue playing in the second half due to a muscle injury. The void he left created difficulties for Napoli, and Genoa capitalized on another Buongiorno error, with Lorenzo Colombo scoring an equalizer in the 57th minute to make it 2-2.

Napoli faced further disadvantage when center-back Juan Jesus fouled Caleb Ekuban, receiving a second yellow card in the 76th minute. But in stoppage time, Napoli was awarded a controversial penalty after VAR determined that Maxwel Cornet had fouled Antonio Vergara in the box. From the penalty spot, Hojlund struck low to the right, and though goalkeeper Bijlow got a hand to it, he could not keep it out, sealing a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Antonio Vergara (left) falls in the penalty area after a collision with Maxwel Cornet. Photo: AFP

On television, former Serie A referee Luca Marelli stated that the decision to penalize Genoa was incorrect. "I do not support this decision, even after the referee reviewed VAR", he said. "From the first angle, it seemed clear, but Cornet did not actually step on Vergara's foot. There was contact, but it was very light, too light to award a penalty."

Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi was also angered by the ruling. "I don't know what else to say", he expressed. "Last week I already spoke about penalties. Now nobody understands what a clear and obvious error is. I don't know if you need to step on an opponent's foot or if a light touch is enough."

The former Italy international believes modern football is straying from its inherent nature. "The football I used to play no longer exists. I have to tell players to always keep their hands behind their backs and limit challenges. Honestly, sometimes I don't know what sport I am coaching", he added.

The 3-2 victory solidified Napoli's third position in Serie A with 49 points, one point behind AC Milan and six points behind Inter. Genoa remains in 14th place with 23 points.

In the next round, Napoli returns home to face Roma, while Genoa travels to play Cremonese.

Hong Duy