Napoli’s bid to defend their Serie A title suffered a major setback as they fell to a 2–1 defeat against Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, leaving them trailing behind the league leaders in the race for the Scudetto.
It was a frustrating evening for Walter Mazzarri’s side, who struggled to find rhythm and precision in a match dominated by Bologna’s energy and discipline. The result leaves Napoli slipping further behind in the standings as the pressure mounts midway through the campaign.
Bologna Take Control Early
The hosts started brightly, pressing high and forcing Napoli into uncharacteristic errors. Bologna’s intent was rewarded midway through the first half when Riccardo Orsolini converted from close range after a slick team move.
Napoli looked unsettled, their passing lacking the fluency that defined their title-winning run last season. Bologna continued to exploit the spaces in midfield, with Joshua Zirkzee leading the line superbly and testing goalkeeper Alex Meret on several occasions.
Napoli Fight Back, But Bologna Hold Firm
After the restart, Napoli showed greater urgency. Victor Osimhen pulled one back with a well-taken finish following good work from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, briefly giving the visitors hope of a comeback.
However, Bologna restored their lead minutes later through Lewis Ferguson, who pounced on a loose ball to fire past Meret and send the home crowd into raptures. Despite late pressure from Napoli — including a disallowed goal and a near miss from Osimhen — Bologna held firm to claim a memorable victory.
Setback in the Title Race
The loss marks a worrying dip in form for Napoli, who have now dropped crucial points in consecutive games. With Inter Milan and Juventus continuing to collect wins, the defending champions now face an uphill task to keep pace in the Serie A title race.
Speaking after the match, Mazzarri admitted his side “weren’t sharp enough” and called for a stronger response in the coming fixtures:
“We lacked intensity in key moments. Bologna deserved their win — now we must react and show character.”
For Bologna, the win underscores their impressive progress this season under Thiago Motta, as they continue to push for a top-six finish and possible European qualification.
Looking Ahead
Napoli will return to action next weekend against Fiorentina, knowing that anything less than victory could see their title defence slip further from reach. Bologna, meanwhile, will look to build on this momentum when they face Torino.