Serie A: Venezia Stun Napoli Despite Dominant Possession From Visitors
Bottom-of-the-table Venezia claimed their first Serie A win of the season with a shock 1-0 victory over Napoli at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, as Akor Adams' second-half strike sealed a historic result despite Kevin De Bruyne missing a late penalty for the visitors.
Venezia claim first victory of season with shock win over Napoli. Akor Adams fires Venezia to first win of season against Napoli...
Despite staying bottom of the Serie A table, Venezia secured their first win of the season with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Napoli at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, a result that denied the visitors the chance to climb into the top four.
Both sides made a slow start, with just one shot on target in the opening 15 minutes when Alex Meret kept out Akor Adams' right-footed effort. John Yeboah was bright for the hosts but was unfortunate to see a strike from outside the area drift narrowly wide.
The Partenopei grew far more active as the first half went on, with Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay pulling the strings from midfield. Their dominance showed in 70% possession and eight unanswered efforts on goal, although every one was either off target or blocked.
Both sides contributed to an entertaining first half with play swinging from end to end, yet neither had managed a shot on target by the break. Right at the start of the second period, Napoli should have taken the lead, but Lorenzo Lucca failed to connect with McTominay's low cross with an open goal in front of him.
A minute later, a long ball over the Napoli backline allowed Adams to outmuscle Amir Rrahmani and fire past Meret to open the scoring.
A triple change from Antonio Conte gave Napoli renewed impetus in search of an equaliser, though it also left them exposed to the counter. From one such break, Yeboah should have doubled the lead but blazed his effort well over.
Napoli continued to dominate the ball, enjoying 83% possession up to the hour mark, but apart from two efforts from substitute Rasmus Hojlund, they had little to show for it.
Venezia get their first win of the #SerieA season! 🔥 #VeneziaNapoli https://t.co/rZFWKWoSfe
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) October 17, 2026
A lifeline appeared to arrive when they were awarded a penalty after Hojlund was fouled, but fellow substitute Kevin De Bruyne could only fire his spot-kick straight at Filip Stankovic. At the other end, Meret then denied a certain second goal when Albion Rrahmani was clean through on goal.
The closing stages saw a real backs-to-the-wall display from the hosts, helped by a string of superb saves from Stankovic. The result means Venezia had not only scored against Napoli in the top flight for the first time since 1962, but had also beaten them in the league for the first time in 84 years. Meanwhile, Napoli's mini-revival came to an end after just three games unbeaten (W2, D1).
A crucial save from Stankovic earns him Panini Player of the Match! 🧤🏆 #VeneziaNapoli https://t.co/qNeZn7uVk4
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) October 17, 2026
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