Drama unfolded at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi as Napoli snatched a 2–1 victory over struggling Verona, with Romelu Lukaku producing a moment of magic in the dying seconds to secure all three points.

Antonio Conte’s side started at full throttle. Within two minutes, Rasmus Højlund powered a header into the far top corner from a perfect Matteo Politano cross, sending the visiting fans into raptures. Napoli dominated possession and created several chances throughout the first half, yet were unable to extend their advantage before the break.

The second half saw Verona respond under controversial circumstances. From a corner, Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro fired on goal, and a ricochet off Højlund deceived Alex Meret, bringing the home side level. Momentum seemed to shift, and it looked as though the Serie A strugglers might cling to a valuable point.

But Lukaku, back from a long injury layoff, had the final say. Deep into stoppage time, the Belgian striker met a precise cross from Giovane, delivering a dramatic winner and ending Napoli’s mini slump.

2025-26, Italy - Serie A

Verona - Napoli 1:2 (0:1)
Goals: Höjlund R., 2 (0:1); Akpa Akpro, 64 (1:1)

Verona: Montipò; Oyegoke (Suslov T., 70); Edmundsson A.; Bradarić D.; Bella-Kotchap (Frese, 55); Akpa Akpro (Niasse, 82); Nelsson V.; Harroui (Slotsager, 82); Gagliardini; Sarr A. (Mosquera, 55); Bowie
Substitution: Frese (from 55); Mosquera (from 55); Suslov T. (from 70); Slotsager (from 82); Niasse (from 82)
Bench: Perilli S.; Toniolo; Valentini; Cham; Isaac; Vermesan
Yellow Cards: Akpa Akpro 45; Suslov T. 74; Harroui 82

Napoli: Meret; Buongiorno; Juan Jesus; Beukema; Politano (Mazzocchi, 78); Spinazzola (Gutiérrez M., 52); Lobotka (Gilmour B., 73); Elmas; Vergara A. (Giovane, 78); Santos A. (Lukaku R., 73); Höjlund R.
Substitution: Gutiérrez M. (from 52); Gilmour B. (from 73); Lukaku R. (from 73); Mazzocchi (from 78); Giovane (from 78)
Bench: Contini N.; Milinkovic-Savic V.; Olivera M.
Yellow Cards: Vergara A. 56; Elmas 71