Genoa vs Napoli

Napoli opened their Serie A campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 win at Genoa, needing until the final ten minutes to break down a stubborn home side at the Luigi Ferraris. For long stretches it looked like Genoa's aggressive, well-organized defense might snatch a point off the reigning contenders under new boss Massimiliano Allegri. The breakthrough came in the 82nd minute when substitute Kevin De Bruyne finished off a slick exchange with fellow sub Antonio Vergara, with the goal standing after a VAR check for contact with a Genoa defender. Vergara then turned provider into scorer five minutes later, latching onto a pass from Lorenzo Lucca to make it 2-0. Genoa had chances of their own, with Djibril Sow striking the post late on, while Leo Ostigard stood out defensively. No red cards were shown, though several yellows were dished out amid a physical, feisty contest. For Napoli, it's the perfect start to Allegri's tenure and a statement that their bench strength can decide tight games. Genoa, under Daniele De Rossi, will take encouragement from their effort despite leaving empty-handed.