Anguissa’s
Last-Gasp Stunner Seals Dramatic Napoli Victory

Naples,
31 Aug (ONA) — Napoli snatched a dramatic victory with virtually the last
kick of the game, defeating a resilient Cagliari 1-0 in their first home Serie
A match of the season.

André-Frank
Zambo Anguissa was the hero, meeting Stanislav Lobotka’s low cross with a
superb first-time finish deep into the 95th minute to spark wild celebrations
along the home bench and throughout the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

The
reigning champions had been frustrated for large periods by a disciplined
Cagliari side, dominating 62.5% of the first-half possession and registering 17
touches in the opposition area but failing to break through a stubborn
defensive block. Their best opportunity before the break came when Scott McTominay,
starting on the left wing for the second consecutive match, skipped through
multiple challenges only to be denied by goalkeeper Elia Caprile.

McTominay,
named on the Ballon d’Or shortlist and lining up alongside former Manchester
City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in his first home start since joining Napoli,
came close again in the second half with a spectacular overhead kick that was
deflected wide. Full-back Leonardo Spinazzola also forced a sharp save from
Caprile as the hosts intensified the pressure.

Just
as it seemed Napoli would have to settle for a frustrating draw, Lobotka – on
his 200th appearance for the club – delivered a perfect cross into the path of
Anguissa, who applied a clinical finish to secure all three points. The result
means Napoli join Cremonese and Roma at the top of the Italian Serie A table
with a perfect record from their opening two matches.

—
Ends/Khalid