Renowned survival specialist Nicola was appointed during the week to replace sacked coach Giovanni Stroppa after last season’s Serie B champions failed to pick up a single point in their opening six games. Napoli’s torrid start to the season continued Saturday when Venezia head coach Davide Nicola masterminded a shock 1-0 win on debut as Kevin De Bruyne had a penalty saved. He made an instant impact as Akor Adams struck the winner early in the second half to seal Venezia’s first Serie A win over Napoli since 1942. It marked a second defeat in a row for Massimiliano Allegri’s side after their midweek Champions League loss at Villarreal, and the first time in 25 years that Napoli have lost five of their first nine games in all competitions.
Napoli’s torrid start to the season continued Saturday when Venezia head coach Davide Nicola masterminded a shock 1-0 win on debut as Kevin De Bruyne had a penalty saved.
Hojlund won a penalty for Napoli midway through the second half when he was hauled down in the box by Matias Moreno, but De Bruyne’s spot-kick was well saved by Filip Stankovic low to his right. A flat game came to life early in the second half when Nigeria international Adams latched on to a long ball and beat Alex Meret with a deflected strike in the 49th minute. Allegri responded by bringing on rested stars Rasmus Hojlund and Kevin De Bruyne and the Danish striker immediately threatened when Juan Jesus denied him a tap-in with a superb goal-line block.
