Napoli drop vital points in 1-1 draw against Bologna in Serie A
Napoli fail to close the gap on Inter Milan after a hard-fought draw at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium.
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| Bologna's Emil Holm and Napoli's Mathias Olivera battle for the ball during the Serie A match at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium in Bologna on April 7, 2025. Photo by Andreas Solaro/AFP |
By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini
Napoli drop vital points in their pursuit of the Serie A title after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Bologna at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on Tuesday morning WIB. The result sees Il Partenopei fail to keep pace with Inter Milan, who now sit three points clear at the top of the table after 31 matchdays.
The match started brightly for Napoli, with Zambo Anguissa opening the scoring in the 18th minute. His goal gave the visitors early control, but despite a dominant first-half display, the reigning champions couldn’t find the killer second goal. That allowed Bologna to regroup and hit back in the second half, with Dan Ndoye leveling the score in the 64th minute.
The draw was a missed opportunity for Napoli, who now sit second on 65 points while Inter, with 68 points, strengthen their position as the league leaders.
Early advantage for Napoli
The visitors wasted no time asserting themselves in the match. Midfield dynamo André-Frank Zambo Anguissa found himself in space in the 18th minute, surging forward from midfield in a dynamic solo run. He brushed past Bologna’s backline with ease and kept his composure to wrong-foot goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski before slotting the ball into the back of the net.
It was the kind of drive and precision Napoli fans have come to expect from Anguissa, whose influence in midfield has been crucial this season. His early goal seemed to set the tone for a dominant performance.
Scott McTominay nearly added a second just minutes later. The former Manchester United midfielder got on the end of a clever pass from Giovanni Di Lorenzo but saw his shot saved by Federico Ravaglia, who had come on for the injured Skorupski.
Ravaglia continued to impress with another fine stop, this time denying Matteo Politano’s low effort from inside the area. The first half ended with Napoli looking in control but with only a one-goal cushion to show for their efforts.
The second half was a different story. Bologna came out with renewed intensity and began to press higher up the pitch. Ricardo Orsolini fired a warning shot early in the half with a dangerous volley that flew just over the crossbar.
Napoli seemed content to sit deeper and try to hit Bologna on the counter, but the strategy backfired. The hosts began to find spaces in the final third and eventually made it count in the 64th minute. Jens Odgaard created the chance with a sharp pull-back from the left wing, which found Dan Ndoye perfectly positioned near the penalty spot. Ndoye finished the move with a stylish back-heel flick that caught goalkeeper Simone Scuffet off guard.
The equalizer energized the home fans and shifted the momentum entirely in Bologna’s favor.
In the final minutes, Napoli tried to reclaim the lead. Luciano Spalletti brought on fresh legs to push for a winner, but the Bologna defense, marshaled by Ravaglia in goal, held firm.
Ravaglia produced two more important saves in the closing stages, first stopping a strong header from Mathias Olivera and then reacting quickly to deny Amir Rrahmani from a corner. Bologna’s resilience ensured they left the match with a hard-earned point, while Napoli were left to rue their missed opportunities.
For Napoli, this draw could have serious implications in the title race. With only a few matches left in the Serie A season, every point matters. Napoli drop vital points at a time when consistency is key, and the inability to capitalize on early dominance may haunt them in the weeks ahead.
Their inability to put the game to bed after taking the lead reflects a pattern that has emerged in several matches this season—strong starts followed by second-half drop-offs. While the squad remains packed with quality, questions will be raised about game management and tactical adaptability.
Bologna continue to impress
Bologna, on the other hand, continue their impressive campaign. Sitting in fourth place with 57 points, they remain firmly in the race for European qualification. Under Thiago Motta, the Rossoblu have become one of the most balanced sides in the league, combining defensive discipline with creative flair.
The result against Napoli reinforces their credentials and shows that they are capable of competing against the league’s elite. With players like Ndoye stepping up and Ravaglia making a strong case for more starts in goal, Bologna are building something special.
Napoli must quickly regroup. Their next fixture could be crucial in determining whether they remain in serious contention for the title or begin to slip further behind Inter Milan. With pressure mounting, Spalletti will need to find answers fast. Injuries and fatigue are clearly affecting some key players, but the squad has the depth to bounce back.
For Bologna, this match will serve as a morale boost. Gaining a point against the defending champions could provide momentum as they look to secure a top-four finish. With just a few matches left, every result is vital.
Napoli drop vital points in what could prove to be a pivotal match in the 2024–25 Serie A season. Despite leading early and dominating large portions of the first half, they allowed Bologna back into the game and paid the price. While the title race isn’t over yet, every missed opportunity makes the challenge steeper.
Bologna, meanwhile, continue to rise. Their performance was a blend of patience, determination, and quality—an encouraging sign for fans hoping to see European nights return to the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
With both teams still having much to play for, the final weeks of the season promise to be thrilling.
