March 09, (THEWILL) – Napoli’s hopes of qualifying for the 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League took another blow on Friday night, as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Torino.
Despite taking the lead through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s 10th league goal of the season, the reigning champions were pegged back by a spectacular overhead kick from Antonio Sanabria just minutes later.
The Georgian winger had missed several presentable chances before finally breaking the deadlock in the 61st minute. Kvaratskhelia showed excellent technique to guide home a cross from Mario Rui after the left-back was picked out by a defence-splitting pass. However, Napoli’s lead proved short-lived.
Three minutes after going behind, Torino substitute Sanabria produced a moment of magic to level the scores. The Paraguayan striker met a cross with an acrobatic overhead kick that flew past the despairing dive of Alex Meret and into the roof of the net. Despite late pressure, Napoli could not find a winner.
The result leaves the Naples’ side seventh in the Serie A table on 44 points, seven adrift of the UCL places currently occupied by Bologna in fourth. Meanwhile, Torino remain 10th but move onto 38 points for the season.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
