January 13, (THEWILL) – Napoli left it late to claim a dramatic 2-1 home victory over Serie A strugglers Salernitana on Saturday, as defender Amir Rrahmani pounced in the 96th minute to spare the blushes of the defending champions. The visitors had taken a surprise first-half lead through Antonio Candreva before Matteo Politano levelled from the penalty spot. However, Napoli toiled in their attempts to complete the turnaround against the division’s bottom side.
The result leaves Napoli in 6th place ahead of their Supercoppa tie with Fiorentina on Thursday. Manager Walter Mazzarri will be concerned by his side’s inconsistent domestic form as they seek to defend the Scudetto won last season after losing much ground.
Salernitana boss Filippo Inzaghi was left to rue defensive errors at both Napoli goals. His side had frustrated the hosts for long spells and were close to a valuable point before Rrahmani capitalised on a mix-up between goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and defender Federico Fazio.
The visitors had gone ahead on 29 minutes when Candreva finished superbly from Domagoj Bradaric’s through ball. Politano’s penalty just before halftime brought Napoli level. Georgia star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia twice went close to a winner in the second period as Napoli dominated.
However, in six minutes of added time, the Napoli defender produced the decisive moment. Rrahmani pounced on the defensive mishap to snatch victory and end Salernitana’s spirited resistance.
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.
