Super Eagles forward Akor Adams fired Venezia to their first Serie A win of the season, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 triumph over Napoli at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo.
The Nigerian struck just after half-time to end Venezia’s 84-year wait for a league victory over Napoli. The defeat leaves Napoli frustrated after missing the opportunity to break into the top four, while Venezia remain bottom of the table despite finally getting their campaign up and running.
The first half was a cautious affair, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. Napoli gradually took control of possession, with Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay dictating play from midfield.
The visitors enjoyed around 70% possession and registered eight attempts, but none troubled Filip Stankovic in the Venezia goal. At the other end, John Yeboah came close for the hosts with a shot from outside the penalty area that drifted narrowly wide.
Despite the end-to-end nature of the contest, neither team managed a shot on target before the interval.
Napoli had a golden opportunity to take the lead immediately after the restart, but Lorenzo Lucca failed to connect with McTominay’s driven cross despite the goal being open.
Venezia punished that miss just a minute later. A long ball over the top allowed Adams to outmuscle Amir Rrahmani before firing past Alex Meret to put the hosts ahead.
The goal added to Adams’ contribution in his debut season with Venezia. Before this match, the Super Eagles forward had scored one goal in five Serie A appearances and recorded three goals and one assist in seven appearances across all competitions, including the Coppa Italia.
Napoli responded with attacking substitutions and continued to dominate possession, but struggled to turn their control into clear chances. Substitute Rasmus Hojlund threatened on two occasions before earning a penalty, giving the visitors a chance to rescue a point.
However, Kevin De Bruyne’s spot-kick was struck straight at Stankovic, who made the save to preserve Venezia’s lead.
The goalkeeper produced further important interventions in the closing stages, while Venezia also threatened on the counterattack. Yeboah sent one promising opportunity over the bar, and Albion Rrahmani was denied by Meret when clean through on goal.
Venezia’s victory was significant beyond the three points. The hosts scored against Napoli in the top flight for the first time since 1962 and secured their first league win over the Partenopei in 84 years.
Napoli’s brief revival also came to an end after three consecutive unbeaten matches, having recorded two wins and a draw during that run.
