Andre-Frank Anguissa emerged as Napoli’s saviour on Saturday, firing home a dramatic stoppage-time strike to seal a 1-0 victory over Cagliari and keep the Serie A champions level on points at the top of the table.
The Cameroon midfielder netted in the fifth minute of added time at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, just when it seemed Antonio Conte’s men would be held to a frustrating draw.
Moments earlier, Scott McTominay had spurned a golden chance for the hosts, who otherwise struggled to break down Cagliari’s disciplined defense.
Napoli’s best opening before the late drama came in the 57th minute, when goalkeeper Elia Caprile produced a stunning one-handed save to deny Leonardo Spinazzola’s low strike.
Big names Kevin De Bruyne and McTominay were largely anonymous, while Lorenzo Lucca once again failed to impress in place of the injured Romelu Lukaku.
Meanwhile, the champions are strengthening their attack with the arrival of Rasmus Højlund from Manchester United.
The Denmark striker touched down in Italy on Saturday to complete an initial loan deal, with a permanent move already lined up.
Roma also continued their perfect start under Gian Piero Gasperini, edging promoted Pisa 1-0 in Tuscany.
Matias Soule struck the decisive goal nine minutes after the break, coolly finishing Evan Ferguson’s lay-off to secure back-to-back wins. Soule thought he had doubled his tally minutes later, but his second was ruled out for handball.
Elsewhere, Riccardo Orsolini marked his recall to the Italy squad with the winner in Bologna’s 1-0 triumph over Como. T
The winger latched onto Santiago Castro’s cross just before the hour, handing Vincenzo Italiano’s men their first win of the campaign.
Orsolini, who struggled under ex-Italy coach Luciano Spalletti, looks ready to extend the sparkling form that inspired Bologna’s Italian Cup success last season.
In Bergamo, Atalanta’s wait for a victory under new boss Ivan Juric goes on after a late Patrick Cutrone strike earned Parma a 1-1 draw.
Mario Pasalic had celebrated his 300th appearance for the club with a fine finish six minutes earlier, but Cutrone’s 85th-minute leveller denied La Dea their first win of the season.
