Lazio Stuns Napoli with 2-1 Upset in Serie A Clash

 Lazio Stuns Napoli with 2-1 Upset in Serie A Clash

Lazio's Luis Alberto and Daichi Kamada(Image-Getty)

Lazio's Luis Alberto and Daichi Kamada orchestrated a remarkable 2-1 victory against reigning champions Napoli in Serie A on a recent Saturday, marking Maurizio Sarri's team's first points of the season and handing the hosts their inaugural defeat.

Napoli had comfortably triumphed over Frosinone and Sassuolo in their initial two matches but faltered in precision during what was anticipated to be their first substantial test under the guidance of new coach Rudi Garcia, who assumed the role in June. Despite launching 22 shots during the match, Napoli managed only four on target, whereas Lazio recorded a total of six.

Napoli currently occupies the fourth spot in the league with six points from three games, while Lazio, who previously languished in the relegation zone following losses to Lecce and Serie A newcomers Genoa, now stands 12th with three points from three games. Notably, Lazio achieved consecutive victories at Napoli for the first time since 1937.

Napoli aggressively tested Lazio's defense in the opening half-hour, with Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia having opportunities to secure an early lead. However, against the flow of the game, Lazio stunned the home crowd by netting their first goal in the 30th minute through Luis Alberto's cheeky backheel following Felipe Anderson's impressive work on the right.

Napoli swiftly recovered from this setback, leveling the score just two minutes later with Poland midfielder Piotr Zielinski's deflected low shot that eluded Lazio's goalkeeper, Ivan Provedel.

The intensity persisted into the second half as both sides sought a decisive goal. Daichi Kamada, making his Serie A debut, restored Lazio's lead in the 52nd minute with a well-placed low shot.

Tensions rose at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium when Lazio believed they had extended their lead 15 minutes later through Mattia Zaccagni, only for the goal to be disallowed due to offside. Moments later, Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, on loan from Olympique de Marseille, found the net, but VAR ruled out his effort.

Sarri, speaking to DAZN after the game, stated, "We had a painful first half but not passive. Then in the second half the game was in our hands, we made it 3-1 twice... Today we had a good mentality... I hope (the real face of Lazio) is tonight's one."

Lazio's victory marked the first time Napoli had been defeated at home since early April, when they suffered a 4-0 loss to AC Milan.