Højlund scores in vain as Napoli collapse against Inter

Rasmus Højlund scored for the second consecutive match, but Napoli could not hold on to a 2-0 lead against Inter. Napoli eventually lost 3-2 away in Serie A after conceding three goals in the final part of the match.

Napoli took control shortly after halftime. Matteo Politano opened the scoring in the 50th minute after a mistake by Inter midfielder Nicolò Barella. Three minutes later, Højlund made it 2-0 with a low shot into the far corner.

The build-up to Højlund’s goal was unusual. The ball appeared to be heading out for a throw-in, and nearly everyone stopped playing. It remained on the field, however, and Højlund received it near the edge of the penalty area before taking advantage of the space.

Inter responded when Lautaro Martínez reduced the deficit in the 56th minute with his first goal of the season. The goal triggered sustained pressure on Napoli’s defense. Substitute Marcus Thuram equalized in the 82nd minute, and Martínez scored the decisive goal in stoppage time.

The defeat continued Napoli’s long wait for an away league win over Inter in Milan. Excluding a cup victory in 2020, Napoli’s last Serie A away win there came in April 2017. Inter now lead the table with nine points, while Napoli have collected three.