Napoli found their stride after Kevin De Bruyne came off the bench, scoring once during a controversial match against Genoa and assisting another goal for Antonio Vergara. The Partenopei, under the guidance of new coach Max Allegri, faced the encounter without any new signings in the line-up. Benoit Badiashile only completed his transfer from Chelsea on the match day, while Alessandro Buongiorno and Luca Marianucci remained sidelined due to injuries. Similarly, key players Kevin De Bruyne, David Neres, and Pasquale Mazzocchi were not fully fit.

As for Genoa, they were without Hamed Traore, Lorenzo Venturino, and Elias Havel, while Franz-Ethan Meichtry started on the bench.

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See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of Napoli before the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

In the early moments of the match, Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret almost conceded a goal with a misplaced pass, but Vitinha’s shot missed the target. Tommaso Baldanzi later had a chance but his volley was also deflected away. Vitinha continued to test Meret, and Alisson Santos had a close attempt going just past Rasmus Hojlund.

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Scott McTominay attempted a long-range strike, which Justin Bijlow saved comfortably. The tide turned for Napoli when Allegri introduced De Bruyne and made other critical substitutions.

GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Stanislav Lobotka of Napoli and Vitinha of Genoa react during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Hojlund failed to connect with a cross from McTominay, and Alessandro Marcandalli managed to block a powerful strike from Stanislav Lobotka. Genoa also posed a threat when Junior Messias launched a quick counter-attack, but Spinazzola’s intervention prevented a goal, allowing Sebastian Otoa to fire against the side-netting.

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In a controversial moment, Napoli took the lead when De Bruyne executed a give-and-go with Antonio Vergara. Johan Vasquez attempted to shield the ball but lost balance, allowing De Bruyne to score from close range, igniting anger from Genoa who believed a foul should have been called.

GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Johan Vasquez of Genoa is challenged by Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Napoli swiftly extended their advantage, once more with Vergara playing a crucial role. He initiated a counter-attack that set De Bruyne free on the right. After a clever play, Vergara was perfectly positioned to redirect a pass into the net, with Otoa unable to clear it off the line.

Genoa 0-2 Napoli

De Bruyne 82 (N), Vergara 87 (N)

Napoli only kicked into gear once Kevin De Bruyne came off the bench, scoring one goal amid Genoa protests and setting up the other for Antonio Vergara.

The Partenopei made their competitive debut under new coach Max Allegri, but without any new signings in the line-up, as Benoit Badiashile only completed his transfer from Chelsea today. Alessandro Buongiorno and Luca Marianucci were long-term absentees, with Kevin De Bruyne, David Neres and Pasquale Mazzocchi not fully fit either. Genoa missed Hamed Traore, Lorenzo Venturino and Elias Havel, while Franz-Ethan Meichtry was only ready for the bench.

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See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of Napoli before the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Alex Meret almost gifted a goal in the opening minutes with a weak pass out from the back, but Vitinha drilled just wide on the rebound, then Tommaso Baldanzi’s chest and volley was deflected off target at the near post.

Vitinha tested Meret and Alisson Santos first rolled just past Rasmus Hojlund, then went for goal himself drilling just wide at the near post.

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Scott McTominay hit one from distance for Justin Bijlow to smother, but Napoli stepped up a gear when Allegri made his first changes, including De Bruyne.

GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Stanislav Lobotka of Napoli and Vitinha of Genoa react during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Hojlund at full stretch couldn’t quite connect with the McTominay roll across from the right, then Alessandro Marcandalli flung himself in the path of a Stanislav Lobotka rocket.

Genoa threatened when Junior Messias went on the counter-attack and was blocked off by Spinazzola, it fell kindly for Sebastian Otoa to fire onto the side-netting.

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However, moments later it was Napoli who took the lead amid controversy. De Bruyne completed a give and go with Antonio Vergara’s back-heel flick, and Johan Vasquez tried to shield the ball, but wasn’t strong enough to resist the nudge in the back, allowing the Belgian to fire in undisturbed from seven yards. Genoa were furious, feeling it was a foul, but Vasquez seemed to assume the free kick would arrive.

GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Johan Vasquez of Genoa is challenged by Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Napoli doubled their lead soon after and Vergara was again involved. This time he sparked the counter-attack to send De Bruyne down the right, the roll across went past Lorenzo Lucca, but Vergara was ready to steer it back towards goal from a tricky angle. Otoa tried to clear off the line, but got it wrong and failed to stop the ball entering the net.

Genoa 0-2 Napoli

De Bruyne 82 (N), Vergara 87 (N)