Venezia Stun Napoli For First League Win

Napoli’s difficult start to the season took another turn on Saturday, as new Venezia boss Davide Nicola celebrated a debut win with a 1-0 upset that left Massimiliano Allegri’s side searching for answers.

Nicola, a renowned survival specialist, was appointed earlier in the week to replace the sacked Giovanni Stroppa. Last season’s Serie B champions had failed to collect a single point from their opening six matches, but the new coach transformed the mood almost immediately. The result was Venezia’s first Serie A victory over Napoli since 1942.

The first half was flat, but the contest sprang to life early in the second. Nigeria international Akor Adams latched on to a long ball and fired a deflected shot past Alex Meret in the 49th minute, a strike that ultimately proved decisive.

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Allegri responded by introducing rested stars Rasmus Hojlund and Kevin De Bruyne. The Danish striker almost made an immediate impact, but Juan Jesus denied him a tap-in with a superb goal-line block.

AFP__20261017__D3L32QL__v1__HighRes__FblItaSerieaVeneziaNapoli — Venezia FC’s Nigerian forward #45 Akor Adams eyes the ball during the Italian Serie A football match between Venezia and Napoli at the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium, on October 17, 2027 in Venice, northeastern Italy. (Photo by ANDREA PATTARO / AFP)

Midway through the half, Matias Moreno brought Hojlund down in the box, handing Napoli a golden chance to level. De Bruyne stepped up, but Filip Stankovic saved the penalty low to his right.

The Venezia goalkeeper, son of former Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic, was the hero in the closing stages. He produced a string of saves, including spectacular stops to deny Stanislav Lobotka and Alisson Santos, to protect the lead.

The defeat is Napoli’s second in a row after their midweek Champions League loss at Villarreal, and their fifth in nine games across all competitions this season. They sit ninth with 10 points from seven games. Venezia remain bottom of the table with three points, but Nicola’s winning start offers fresh hope in their fight for survival.

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