Serie A: Hojlund, McTominay inspire Napoli to dramatic 3-2 win over Genoa

Rasmus Hojlund converted a final penalty as 10-man Napoli won 3-2 at Genoa in Serie A on Saturday, keeping the pressure on Milan’s top two clubs.

Hojlund was fortunate that Genoa goalkeeper Justin Bijlow could not keep out his attempt from the spot, despite getting his arm to the ball in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

The penalty was awarded after Maxwel Cornet – who had just come on as a substitute – was found following a VAR check to have kicked Antonio Vergara’s foot after the Napoli midfielder had dramatically fallen to the ground.

Hojlund’s second goal put Napoli one point behind AC Milan and six behind Inter Milan. They both have a game in hand.

«We showed that we are a team that never gives up, even in difficult situations and in emergencies. Despite being outnumbered, we had the determination to win. I am proud of the attitude of my players, and I thank them and congratulate them because the victory was deserved,» said Napoli coach Antonio Conte.

His team got off to a poor start when goalkeeper Alex Meret brought down Vitinha after a failed back pass from Alessandro Buongiorno just seconds into the match. A VAR check confirmed the penalty and Ruslan Malinovskyi scored from the spot in the second minute.

Scott McTominay was involved in both goals as Napoli responded with a quick double. Bijlow saved his first try in the 20th, but Hojlund tucked away the rebound and McTominay let fly from about 20 yards to make it 2-1 a minute later.

However, McTominay had to leave at half-time with what appeared to be a muscle injury, and another error from Buongiorno allowed Lorenzo Colombo to score in the 57th for Genoa.

“Scott has a glute problem that he has had since the start of the season. It sometimes gets inflamed,” Conte said of McTominay. «He would have liked to continue, but I would have preferred him not to take risks because he is a key player for us.»

Napoli centre-back Juan Jesus was sent off in the 76th after receiving a second yellow card for pulling back Genoa substitute Caleb Ekuban.

Genoa pushed for a winner, but it was the visiting team that had the last laugh.

«The penalty wasn’t perfect. I was lucky too, but the most important thing is that we won,» Hojlund said.

Published on February 8, 2026