Napoli ended their three-match losing streak on Sunday with a narrow 1-0 victory over Bologna in their Serie A clash at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Stanislav Lobotka scored the decisive goal in the 66th minute, giving Massimiliano Allegri’s side a much-needed victory after defeats to Como, Inter and Arsenal.
Napoli had several opportunities to take the lead before the breakthrough, with Rasmus Hojlund coming close on more than one occasion.
Bologna also thought they had opened the scoring early in the match, but Arthur Theate’s header from a Lewis Ferguson free-kick was ruled out for offside.
The hosts eventually found the breakthrough when substitute Costantino Favasuli pulled the ball back from the by-line.
Lobotka reacted quickest, firing through goalkeeper Massimo Pessina’s legs from close range.
Pessina prevented Napoli from extending their advantage when he raced off his line to deny Hojlund after the Danish striker attempted to lift the ball over him.
Bologna struggled to create a sustained threat as Napoli controlled the closing stages, although Samuel Mbangula and Enem both came close to finding an equaliser late in the game.
The defeat leaves Bologna with just one point from their opening four league matches, while Napoli’s victory provides a much-needed boost following their difficult start to the campaign.
