Serie A | Napoli 2-1 Salernitana: Last-gasp turnaround

Antonio Candreva scored a Salernitana stunner, but Matteo Politano’s penalty and the last-gasp Amir Rrahmani header completed the Napoli comeback.

The Partenopei went into a week-long training retreat after one point from three rounds and were also gearing up for the Supercoppa Italiana. Pasquale Mazzocchi was sent off four minutes into his debut, so was suspended against his former club, with Piotr Zielinski, Alex Meret, Natan and Mathias Olivera injured, Victor Osimhen and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa at the Africa Cup of Nations. Pippo Inzaghi missed Lorenzo Pirola, Grigoris Kastanos, Boulaye Dia, Lassana Coulibaly, Jovane and suspended Giulio Maggiore. Guillermo Ochoa returned in goal for the first time since his injury in mid-November.

Napoli had all the early possession, but it was largely futile, as Salernitana threatened more with Norbert Gyomber drilling wide and Loum Tchaouna straight at Pierluigi Gollini.

The deadlock was broken by a stunning solo effort, as Antonio Candreva cut inside Matteo Politano and unleashed a remarkable right-foot curler from 20 metres out into the far top corner.

36-year-old Antonio Candreva starts the weekend Serie A action with an absolute BEAUTY. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/zJkouefVA2
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) January 13, 2024

Giovanni Simeone was offside when denied by Ochoa one-on-one, while Gianluca Gaetano blasted not far off target from the edge of the box.

Napoli received a penalty via VAR when Simeone got to the Politano knock-down first and Fazio kicked the back of his ankle instead. Politano placed his spot-kick right into the bottom corner beyond Ochoa’s fingertips to equalise in first half stoppages.

The hosts came out fighting after the break, Jens Cajuste twice going close and Politano scuffing the finish wide, while Kvaratskhelia’s strike was straight at Ochoa from the edge of the box.

However, Gollini just got his fingertips to a cross, preventing Nwankwo Simy from being allowed a tap-in from six yards.

To make matters worse, Jens Cajuste limped off in agony with a suspected hamstring strain, but Kvaratskhelia saw his solo run and strike deflected inches wide off Matteo Lovato’s knee.

Ochoa made a desperate double save in stoppages, first on Kvaratskhelia after a give-and-go with Alessio Zerbin and then the Giacomo Raspadori follow-up.

Napoli managed to turn the game around at the 96^th minute on a chaotic set play when Ochoa collided with teammate Federico Fazio and Demme knocked it down for Amir Rrahmani, who was able to take a touch and then fire in from six yards.

Amir Rrahmani breaks Salernitana hearts at the death!

His first goal of the season gives Napoli all 3 points 💥 pic.twitter.com/fORZAXmLje
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) January 13, 2024

It was another devastating blow for Salernitana, who continue to concede late deciders, but a much-needed boost for the Partenopei.

Napoli 2-1 Salernitana

Candreva 29 (S), Politano pen 45 (N), Rrahmani 96 (N)