Napoli falters in title race with draw against Bologna
- Napoli scored first with a goal from Frank Anguissa in the 18th minute, but Bologna equalized in the second half.
- The draw leaves Napoli three points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan, who also failed to win their match.
- Bologna's performance in this match shows their potential for Champions League qualification as they move into fourth place.
In Bologna, Italy, Napoli faced a disappointing 1-1 draw against local club Bologna on April 8, 2025, as they failed to capitalize on a chance to narrow the gap with Serie A leaders Inter Milan. The match commenced positively for Napoli, with Frank Anguissa scoring a sensational solo goal just 18 minutes in, giving the visitors an early lead. However, Bologna responded fiercely in the second half, with Dan Ndoye executing a brilliant back-heel flick from inside the box to equalize in the 64th minute. This goal not only highlighted Bologna's persistence but also demonstrated Napoli's vulnerability in the closing stages of the match. Napoli struggled to maintain their momentum, with assistant manager Cristian Stellini commenting that the team lost their attacking focus after halftime. Bologna nearly grabbed a late winner, but Santiago Castro squandered a golden opportunity, while Napoli's backup goalkeeper Simone Scuffet made crucial saves to secure a point for his side. The draw means Napoli remains in second place in the Serie A standings, three points behind Inter Milan, who also dropped points by being held to a draw in their match against Parma. For Bologna, the result is a strong indicator of their growing form as they ascend to fourth place, putting them in a favorable position for Champions League qualification. The competitive nature of Serie A further intensifies, as Napoli's upcoming fixtures against teams in the bottom half of the table may offer them a chance to reclaim their title ambitions, whilst Bologna aims to continue building on their positive performances both in league and cup competitions as they hold a significant lead in the Coppa Italia semi-finals against Empoli.