Scott McTominay and Giovanni Di Lorenzo played pivotal roles in Napoli’s recovery from a 2-0 deficit, yet the outcome remained a disappointing 2-2 draw at home against relegation-threatened Verona.
Eljif Elmas made a run down the right following an inspired pass, but was thwarted by Lorenzo Montipò at the near post. Meanwhile, Gift Orban’s shot went directly to Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
Verona unexpectedly surged ahead with a play that originated in their own half, culminating in Chiekh Niasse’s low cross from the right, which Martin Frese skillfully converted from three yards with a clever back-heel flick. He scored his first ever Serie A goal in a truly remarkable manner.
Orban also shot wide, followed by penalty appeals when the ball hit Alessandro Buongiorno on the top of his hand. Napoli contended that he was fouled by Lautaro Valentini; however, the referee decided to award a penalty after reviewing the VAR. Milinkovic-Savic anticipated the correct corner, yet was unable to stop Orban’s penalty kick.
Rasmus Hojlund directed the Giovanni Di Lorenzo cross into the net from close range, then the striker attempted to assist Scott McTominay for a shot that was blocked by Unai Nunez within the area.
Noa Lang compelled Montipò into a challenging save, leading to a corner from which Napoli capitalized. McTominay’s header found the net, despite a valiant effort from Nicolas Valentini to clear it off the line.
Antoine Bernede’s attempt was deflected over, yet Napoli believed they had achieved the comeback when McTominay headed down a Matteo Politano cross for Hojlund to control and strike from six yards. Nevertheless, VAR ruled out the goal due to Hojlund’s handling infraction.
Shortly thereafter, Napoli found the back of the net once more, only for the goal to be ruled out due to Amir Rrahmani’s offside position following McTominay’s deflection of a free kick into his trajectory.
The Partenopei ultimately succeeded in equalizing when Di Lorenzo made a run into the box, poised to convert a low cross from Luca Marianucci on the right into the near bottom corner from 12 yards out.
It stayed completely open, as during stoppages, Giovane’s lob went wide after being played through by Bernede, with Milinkovic-Savic positioned far from his line.
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