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Napoli's title hopes shaken by late Genoa equaliser as Inter close in

Napoli's title hopes shaken by late Genoa equaliser as Inter close in

Straits Times11-05-2025

Soccer Football - Serie A - Napoli v Genoa - Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples, Italy - May 11, 2025 Napoli's Scott McTominay and Leonardo Spinazzola in action with Genoa's Brooke Norton-Cuffy REUTERS/Alberto Lingria
Soccer Football - Serie A - Napoli v Genoa - Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples, Italy - May 11, 2025 Napoli's Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Mathias Olivera in action with Genoa's Patrizio Masini and Alessandro Zanoli REUTERS/Alberto Lingria
NAPLES, Italy - Napoli's Serie A title hopes suffered a late setback on Sunday when they were held to a 2-2 draw at home against Genoa, setting up a thrilling season finale with Inter Milan just one point behind.
Napoli remain top with 78 points, holding a slim lead over Inter, who won 2-0 at Torino earlier on Sunday, with two rounds remaining.
Scott McTominay delivered a perfect pass into the box where Romelu Lukaku got rid of his marker before guide his shot into the bottom corner to give Napoli the lead in the 15th minute.
Genoa equalised in the 32nd minute when Honest Ahanor's header hit the bar, with Napoli keeper Alex Meret initially parrying it into the post, only for the rebound to bounce off his body and into the net for an own goal.
The sombre mood at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium lifted in the 64th minute when Giacomo Raspadori drilled a screamer from close range, restoring Napoli's lead and sending the blue-and-white supporters into a frenzy.
However, a Johan Vasquez header six minutes from time silenced the crowd as the realisation hit that the title race had been blown wide open again. REUTERS
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