Napoli edged out a narrow 1-0 win via a penalty to maintain at least a two-point lead at the top of Serie A, despite a spirited effort from Empoli, whose run of three consecutive clean sheets at the Stadio Carlo Castellani came to an end.Although Empoli fell to a 2-1 defeat against Lazio in their previous outing, it still marked their best start to a Serie A season in nearly two decades, and they began this match as the more energetic side. Sebastiano Esposito, fresh off scoring before the international break, unleashed a powerful volley, while Giuseppe Pezzella saw his near-post strike smartly saved by Elia Caprile. Napoli, who topped the table heading into the weekend, gradually found their rhythm as the first half progressed, growing more threatening with each attack.Napoli now unbeaten in last 8 games! ✅ 3-0 win vs Bologna✅ 2-1 win vs Parma✅ 4-0 win vs Cagliari🤝 0-0 draw vs Juventus✅ 5-0 win vs Palermo✅ 2-0 win vs Monza✅ 3-1 win vs Como✅ 1-0 win vs EmpoliOnly 2 goals conceded. 😳 pic.twitter.com/u5BDQkbewW— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 20, 2024 Napoli’s pressure nearly paid off when Amir Rrahmani’s powerful header was cleared off the line by a quick reaction from Ardian Ismajli. With the hosts still holding firm, Esposito and Lorenzo Colombo had promising chances, though Leonardo Spinazzola’s crucial challenge denied Colombo a clear shot. Tino Anjorin shone as the half came to a close, but his efforts couldn’t break the deadlock, leaving the home crowd to witness another goalless first half.##EDITORS_CHOICE##The balance of play remained relatively even after the break, with neither side immediately carving out clear opportunities. The game shifted, however, with the introduction of Giovanni Simeone, whose effort led to a penalty after Matteo Politano was clipped by Anjorin. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia converted the spot-kick with a composed, stutter-step run-up, putting Napoli ahead and sparing the Tuscan fans a fourth consecutive home game without a goal.⚽️GOAL🇮🇹 | Empoli 0-1 Napoli | KvaratskheliaKvaratskhelia scores from the spotpic.twitter.com/bhNEjgiu1j— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) October 20, 2024 With around 30 minutes left to find an equalizer, Empoli was expected to mount a comeback. However, ineffective substitutions and resolute defending from Napoli, particularly Alessandro Buongiorno, ensured that the visitors held on to their advantage. The victory was crucial for Napoli, especially after Juventus’ triumph over Lazio earlier in the weekend, while Empoli’s impressive season remains on track despite back-to-back losses to top-tier opponents.SERIE A – MATCHDAY 8SaturdayComo – Parma 1-1 (1-1)/Paz 45 – Bonny 20/Genoa – Bologna 2-2 (0-1)/Pinamonti 73, 85 – Orsolini 37, Odgaard 56/Milan – Udinese 1-0 (1-0)/Chukwueze 13/Juventus – Lazio 1-0 (0-0)/Gila 85 og/SundayEmpoli – Napoli 0-1 (0-0)/Kvaratskhelia 63 pen/16:00: (3.20) Lecce (3.40) Fiorentina (2.40)16:00: (5.60) Venezia (3.90) Atalanta (1.70)19:00: (2.80) Cagliari (3.05) Torino (2.70)21:45: (4.40) Roma (3.50) Inter (1.85)Monday21:45: (2.35) Verona (3.20) Monza (3.20)***odds are subject to change***
