Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s 82nd-minute strike looked to have salvaged victory for Napoli, but the Partenopei were left to rue missed opportunities as they shared the spoils in a pulsating 2-2 draw with Verona at home.
The visitors stunned the home crowd with a lightning start, Martin Frese opening the scoring in the 16th minute before Gift Orban doubled the advantage from the penalty spot on 27 minutes after VAR confirmed Nicolás Valentini’s spot-kick award. Orban’s celebration earned him a booking, but Verona held their two-goal cushion firmly despite Napoli’s territorial dominance.
The hosts monopolized possession with an overwhelming 69.6% and peppered Verona’s goal with 15 shots, yet found the away side’s defensive organization—marshalled by Cheikh Niasse’s exceptional midfield display (7.9 rating, three interceptions)—incredibly difficult to break down. Roberto Gagliardini matched Niasse’s defensive intensity with three interceptions of his own as Verona’s 13 total stops frustrated Napoli’s attacking efforts.
Scott McTominay sparked hope nine minutes into the second half, reducing the deficit with support from Luca Marianucci’s assist. Manager substitutions followed as Napoli pressed urgently, only to have Rasmus Højlund’s goal controversially cancelled by VAR in the 75th minute.
Captain Di Lorenzo eventually restored parity eight minutes from time, finishing decisively after assistance from Noa Lang to cap his influential performance that included two key passes. The defender’s 7.9 rating matched his determination, but Napoli’s dominant statistics—six corners, 90% pass completion—couldn’t produce the winner their control deserved.
The dropped points could prove costly for Napoli’s title aspirations, while Verona’s dogged defensive display and clinical counter-attacking earned a precious point on the road. Antoine Bernede’s three key passes highlighted Verona’s threat on the break throughout this entertaining encounter.
