Napoli failed to secure the Serie A TIM title early after a goalless draw with Parma on Sunday (05/18) at the Ennio Tardini Stadium. In a match marked by two shots hitting the woodwork, a penalty overturned by VAR in stoppage time, and the expulsion of manager Antonio Conte, the Partenopei maintained their league lead with 79 points one ahead of Inter, who also drew with Lazio.
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With just one matchday left, the Scudetto will be decided next Sunday (05/25): Napoli must beat Cagliari at home to clinch the title, while Inter depends on a slip-up from the Azzurri. Parma, meanwhile, remains in the relegation zone and needs a win in the final round to avoid the drop.
First Half: Napoli Dominates but Fails to Convert Chances
Initial Tactical Setup
Napoli took the field in their usual 3-4-3 formation, with Romelu Lukaku leading the attack. In midfield, Scott McTominay and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa were responsible for playmaking.
Parma, fighting relegation, opted for a defensive 3-5-2, with Ange-Yoan Bonny as the attacking reference and Simon Sohm as the main creative force in midfield.
Key Moments
32’ – Napoli Almost Scores! Anguissa Hits the Post
What happened: After a solo run, Anguissa chested the ball down, dribbled past defender Giovanni Leoni, and unleashed a volley. The ball struck the crossbar with force, leaving goalkeeper Zion Suzuki no chance.
Impact: It was the clearest chance of the first half and a warning for Parma’s defense.
43’ – Crucial Save by Alex Meret
Play: Parma midfielder Simon Sohm fired a powerful long-range shot toward the corner, but Meret flew to make a spectacular save, keeping the score level.
Second Half: Tension Rises with Overturned Penalty and Expulsions
Tactical Changes
In the second half, Napoli brought on David Neres for Politano to boost their attack. Parma, meanwhile, tightened their defense, introducing Mathias Fjortoft Lovik to reinforce midfield.
Decisive Moments
57’ – Napoli Hits the Post Again! Politano’s Shot
Play: Politano attempted a cross from the right, but the ball deflected off a defender and nearly went in, rattling the crossbar.
65’ – Stunning Save by Suzuki
Play: McTominay’s perfect free-kick was tipped away by Suzuki in a breathtaking save, one of the match’s highlights.
89’ – Antonio Conte Sent Off
Reason: The Napoli manager engaged in a heated argument with Parma’s Cristian Chivu over an uncalled foul. Both were dismissed by the referee.
90+6’ – Penalty Overturned by VAR
Play: David Neres was brought down in the box by Lovik, and the referee initially awarded a penalty. However, after VAR review, the decision was overturned due to a prior foul by Giovanni Simeone on Alessandro Circati.
League Table Impact: Scudetto in Napoli’s Hands
| Team | Points | Position | Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Napoli | 79 | 1st | Leader |
| Inter | 78 | 2nd | Depends on Napoli |
| Parma | 29 | 18th | Relegation zone |
Napoli: A win against Cagliari at the Maradona will seal the title, regardless of other results.
Parma: Must beat Atalanta and hope for Verona and Lecce to drop points to avoid relegation.
Where the Game Was Decided
Napoli – Strengths and Weaknesses
✅ Absolute possession dominance (69%) – Controlled the game from start to finish.
✅ Chance creation – Anguissa and Politano were dangerous.
❌ Lack of efficiency – 13 shots, zero goals.
Parma – Strengths and Weaknesses
✅ Organized defense – Suzuki made crucial saves.
✅ Containment strategy – The team defended well.
❌ Toothless attack – Only 5 shots all game.
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Man of the Match: Zion Suzuki (Parma)
5 key saves, including a miracle stop on McTominay’s free-kick.
Trivia and Historical Data
- Napoli hasn’t beaten Parma away since 2021.
- Antonio Conte was sent off for the 3rd time this season.
- Parma hasn’t scored against Napoli in 4 consecutive matches.
Upcoming Matches
Napoli vs. Cagliari (05/25) – Scudetto decider at the Maradona Stadium.
Parma vs. Atalanta (05/25) – Last chance to escape relegation.
Conclusion: Title to Be Decided on the Final Day
Napoli held onto their lead but left fans nervous with the draw. Now, everything comes down to the Maradona, where a win would secure the club’s 4th Scudetto. Parma still dreams of survival but needs a heroic victory against Atalanta.
News cover image: footballitalia.net
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