Akor Adams earns Venezia historic win over Napoli

Venezia secured their first Serie A victory of the season by beating Napoli 1-0 at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, although the result leaves them at the bottom of the table. Napoli missed the chance to move into the top four as Akor Adams’ goal settled a hard-fought contest.

The match began at a cautious pace, with little to separate the sides during the opening stages. Adams forced Alex Meret into a save with a right-footed effort inside the first 15 minutes, while John Yeboah provided an early threat for Venezia and sent a shot from outside the area narrowly wide.

Napoli gradually took control, with Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay influential in midfield. The visitors enjoyed 70% possession during the first half and recorded eight unanswered attempts, although each was either blocked or off target.

The game remained open, with play moving from one end to the other, but neither team managed to produce another shot on target before the interval.

Napoli almost broke the deadlock immediately after the restart. McTominay sent a dangerous low cross across the face of goal, but Lorenzo Lucca was unable to make contact despite having a clear opportunity.

Venezia punished that let-off moments later. A long pass over the Napoli defence allowed Adams to use his strength to get beyond Amir Rrahmani before shooting past Meret to give the hosts the lead.

Max Allegri responded with a triple substitution as Napoli stepped up their search for an equaliser. The changes also left the visitors vulnerable on the counter-attack, and Yeboah had a chance to double Venezia’s advantage when he found space, but his attempt flew well over the crossbar.

Napoli continued to dominate possession, holding 83% of the ball by the hour mark. However, apart from two efforts from substitute Rasmus Hojlund, they struggled to turn that control into clear chances.

The visitors were handed an opportunity to draw level when Hojlund was fouled inside the area. Kevin De Bruyne, another substitute, took responsibility for the penalty but sent his effort straight at Filip Stankovic.

Napoli goalkeeper Meret then prevented Venezia from extending their lead, making a crucial save after Albion Rrahmani had been played through on goal.

Venezia spent the closing stages defending deep and had Stankovic to thank for a series of important saves as Napoli applied sustained pressure.

The victory was Venezia’s first against Napoli in the league for 84 years. It was also the first time they had scored against them in the top flight since 1962.

Napoli’s revival ended after three matches unbeaten, a run that had included two wins and one draw.

Flashscore named Filip Stankovic the Man of the Match.