Napoli grab vital late winner against Venezia after Lukaku misses first-half penalty | All Football

Although the Winged Lions, who were fighting against relegation, were unbeaten in their last three games, the Partenopei were firm favorites to come out on top.

And they were the stronger side in the first half, as Amir Rrahmani saw his close-range effort saved by Filip Stanković with just four minutes on the clock, before Khvicha Kvaratshkelia and John Yeboah were both denied by the stopper from Serbia.

After having the visitors under constant pressure Napoli were awarded a penalty nine minutes before HT when Mathías Olivera’s effort was handled by Jay Idzes. However, Romelu Lukaku saw his spot-kick saved low to the left by Stanković.

Antonio Conte’s side had another great chance to take the lead three minutes later when a ball across the box found André-Frank Zambo Anguissa unmarked, but the midfielder – who had scored in his last two games – fired his first time effort over the crossbar.

Going into the break with the score ultimately 0-0, Venezia had achieved one of their more important objectives, but with Napoli unbeaten in 13 Serie A games against newly promoted opposition, it would take a little of absolute genius for them to withdraw. almost miraculously win.

Eusebio Di Francesco’s men continued to keep Napoli at bay in the early stages of the second half, and indeed should have taken the lead when Meret needed to deal with Hans Nicolussi Caviglia’s inswinging free-kick from the sub line, who pushed the ball over the bar. .

As usual, Lukaku continued to be the focal point for the home side, and came agonizingly close to an opener just after the hour, when he broke into the area and unleashed a shot that beat Stanković but rebounded off the right post.

With Napoli mounting wave after wave of attack, their efforts finally paid off with 11 minutes remaining, when Raspadori latched onto a loose ball inside the area and fired it into the bottom right corner of the net , breaking Venezia’s hearts and sending home. wild fans.

This late intervention was decisive, as Conte’s men held on for a win that lifts them above Inter Milan and into second place for the time being. Meanwhile, Venezia remain 19th and in deep trouble for the New Year.