Anguissa scores late, Napoli stay perfect, Cagliari heartbroken | OneFootball

The Azzurri win and remain with a perfect record, but only after a real struggle: it takes a last-gasp goal from the midfielder, in the 5th minute of stoppage time in the second half, to beat a solid Cagliari 1-0. Previously, the Neapolitans had created very little, testing—if you can call it that—Caprile only with Lucca, Spinazzola, and McTominay.

Anguissa’s Flash at the Photo Finish – Napoli Stays Perfect, Stuns Cagliari

Antonio Conte’s Napoli makes its season debut at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, facing Fabio Pisacane’s Cagliari. A clash that brings back memories of a recent and unforgettable precedent: just over three months ago, against the Sardinians, the Azzurri took their final step toward the league triumph. This time, the goal is to build on the opening win and catch up with the “Cinderella” Cremonese at the top. Meanwhile, the Napoli-Geolier-Decibel quarrel is resolved with a “volemose bene”; moreover, the newly retired Tommy Starace will be a regular presence alongside the historic stadium announcer at home games. The presepe returns to its place.

But let’s get back to the pitch.

The Azzurri coach sticks with the 4-1-4-1 that impressed against Sassuolo. Meret is still in goal, but the possibility of alternating with Milinkovic remains. The defense is unchanged except for Olivera, with Spinazzola starting. In midfield, Lobotka sits deep, with Anguissa and de Bruyne as dynamic interiors and Politano and McTominay on the wings. Up front, Lucca is trusted again, while Elmas is available and Hojlund has just landed at Ciampino. Cagliari arrives in Fuorigrotta after a good draw against Fiorentina and with the option to change their tactical setup. Pisacane lines up with a cautious 5-3-2, with Zappa dropping into the backline alongside Mina and Luperto. On the flanks, Palestra is brought in, and in midfield there’s space for captain Deiola, while in attack Esposito is supported by former teammate Folorunsho to launch quick counters. The Napoli-Cagliari clash has often marked key moments in Neapolitan history. In 1990, again on the second matchday and again in their home debut as Italian champions, the Sardinians conquered the San Paolo, sparking an unexpected crisis. Today, that memory serves as a warning: the current enthusiasm must not turn into complacency. Conte and his men want to confirm the image of a team already well-oiled and competitive. For Napoli, this is not just the first game at the Maradona, but a chance to reaffirm their title ambitions right from the start. A win can consolidate the positive atmosphere and allow Conte to continue his technical project with confidence and momentum.

The night of the fourth Scudetto already seemed distant in the memories of the Azzurri fans. And yet, this time too, the emotion was similar: a hard-fought victory, earned at the last breath, but one that could weigh heavily in the title race.

Antonio Conte’s Napoli had to sweat more than expected. Despite constant territorial dominance, the Neapolitans struggled to find gaps in the organized and aggressive Sardinian defense. Chances were few and far between over the ninety minutes: Caprile denied goals to Lucca and Spinazzola, Politano and Buongiorno came close without luck, while McTominay missed a golden chance in stoppage time.

The individual performances did not shine: Lucca was stuck, De Bruyne lacked his superpowers, and McTominay was less incisive than usual. Cagliari played with courage and discipline, turning every meter of the pitch into a battle.

Then, when everything seemed to be heading for a goalless draw, the moment that changed the night arrived: in the 95th minute, Anguissa found the winning “claw,” giving his team three crucial points and keeping Napoli perfect. With this victory, the Azzurri confirm their ambition to defend the title and continue their journey with renewed awareness: being able to win even when things aren’t going as planned is the hallmark of great teams.

Napoli (4-1-4-1): Meret 6; Di Lorenzo 6, Rrahmani 6, Juan Jesus 6.5 (69′ Buongiorno 6.5), Spinazzola 6.5 (81′ Olivera N/A); Lobotka 6.5; Politano 7.5, Anguissa 7, De Bruyne 5.5 (81′ Lang N/A), McTominay 6; Lucca 5.5 (75′ Ambrosino 6). Coach: Conte 6.5

Cagliari (3-5-1-1): Caprile 6.5; Zappa 5.5 (58′ Luvumbo 6.5), Mina 7, Luperto 6.5; Palestra 5.5 (83′ Di Pardo N/A), Adopo 6, Prati 6 (66′ Gaetano 6), Deiola 6, Obert 6; Folorunsho 5.5 (83′ Idrissi N/A); Esposito 5.5 (66′ Borrelli 6). Coach: Pisacane 6.5.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.