Napoli fans can breathe a little easier—at least for now. In a tense Tuesday night showdown at Lecce’s Stadio Via del Mare, the reigning Serie A champions eked out a gritty 1-0 victory, thanks to a towering header from Frank Anguissa and a crucial penalty save by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. The win propels Napoli three points clear at the top of the table, but the story of the night was as much about resilience as it was about results.
A Night of High Drama in Lecce
The match was anything but routine. Napoli, already grappling with a mounting injury crisis—star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is out until February—struggled to break down a Lecce side fighting to stay above the relegation zone. The tension peaked early in the second half when Lecce were awarded a penalty after a lengthy VAR review for a handball by Napoli’s Juan Jesus.
Seventeen-year-old Francesco Camarda, on loan from Milan, stepped up to take the spot kick. But Milinkovic-Savic, earning his reputation as a penalty specialist, guessed right and denied the teenager, marking his fifth save from the last nine penalties faced. Camarda, visibly distraught, was seen in tears on the bench after being substituted—a heartbreaking moment that underscored the pressure of top-flight football.
Anguissa Delivers When It Matters
Just moments after the penalty drama, Napoli seized their chance. David Neres delivered a pinpoint free kick, and Anguissa rose above the defense to glance a header into the far corner—his fourth goal of the season and arguably his most important yet. The goal was a testament to Napoli’s ability to capitalize on set pieces, even when open play proved frustrating.
Coach Antonio Conte, reflecting on the match, admitted the challenge of maintaining focus after an emotionally and physically draining win over Inter Milan just days earlier. “These matches are never easy, especially after a big game against Inter in which we expended a huge amount of physical and mental energy,” Conte said.
Napoli’s Title Charge Back on Track
With this win, Napoli now sit on 21 points from nine matches, three ahead of both Milan and Roma. AC Milan’s draw at Atalanta means Napoli have a little breathing room at the summit, while Lecce remain perilously close to the drop zone.
The victory also marks a crucial turnaround for Napoli, who have weathered a rocky patch in recent weeks. Anguissa’s form and Milinkovic-Savic’s reliability between the posts have been central to their resurgence.
What’s Next for Both Sides?
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Napoli: The champions will look to consolidate their lead as they await the return of key players from injury. Their ability to grind out results under pressure could be the difference in a tight title race.
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Lecce: With just two points separating them from the relegation zone, Lecce must regroup quickly. The performance showed promise, but missed opportunities—especially from the penalty spot—could haunt them in the weeks ahead.
Key Takeaways
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Frank Anguissa’s header was the match-winner, highlighting his growing influence in midfield.
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Vanja Milinkovic-Savic’s penalty save was a turning point, preserving Napoli’s clean sheet and momentum.
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Francesco Camarda’s missed penalty was a cruel blow for Lecce and a reminder of the unforgiving nature of Serie A.
Napoli’s title defense is far from over, but nights like this—where grit and composure trump style—may prove decisive come season’s end.
Sources
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9. A $1 Million Prize Is on the Line in NASCAR's All-Star Race
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