In Serie A on Friday, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s goal was negated by substitute Antonio Sanabria’s overhead kick, forcing Napoli to settle for a 1-1 draw at home against Torino.
The reigning champions Napoli are now seven points behind Bologna in fourth place with 44 points, and their chances of making it into the Champions League are beginning to dwindle.
After squandering multiple opportunities earlier in the game, Kvaratskhelia scored his 10th league goal of the year in the 61st minute when he expertly headed home a cross from Mario Rui.
However, three minutes after entering the game, Sanabria equalized with a bicycle kick, sending the ball through the net’s roof despite goalkeeper Alex Meret’s best efforts.
Coach Francesco Calzona of Napoli stated, “I am happy with the performance, but I regret the outcome.”
“I reiterate that I am very happy with how the team is interpreting the games in the right way and results will come on this path.”
AWFUL NAPOLI
The hosts endured a disappointing evening, particularly their dynamic forward Kvaratskhelia, who had multiple opportunities to ensure his team’s third straight victory.
When he got space inside the box early in the first half, he nearly broke the tie, but Vanja Milinkovic-Savic produced a spectacular save to stop the Georgian.
Before the half, Milinkovic- S stopped a header from Kvaratskhelia with a diving save on the line.
The majority of the possession belonged to Napoli, but Torino had a strong defense, and Kvaratskhelia was again denied when Milinkovic-Savic tipped over his shot in stoppage time.
“We had overwhelming dominance and I have nothing to blame the boys for because if we always perform like this, we can go far,” said Calzona.
With 38 points, Torino is tenth, lacking their suspended coach Ivan Juric.
With the score tied at one, Napoli will travel to Barcelona on Tuesday to play the second leg of their Champions League last-16 match.
In Gdansk, Tommy Lund reported; Ken Ferris handled the editing.
