Naples, May 12: A stoppage time goal from Jonathan Rowe gave Bologna a 3-2 win against Napoli in a pulsating Serie A encounter.
The result – only the second home defeat of the season for Napoli – lifted Bologna into eighth place above Udinese and Lazio with two rounds remaining.
Federico Bernardeschi put visiting Bologna 1-0 up after nine minutes with a rifled shot into the roof of the net and Riccardo Orsolini added a second from the penalty spot 11 minutes before the break.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo pulled one back for Napoli in first-half stoppage time and Alisson Santos slotted home a neat layoff from Rasmus Hojlund early in the second half to level the scores.
However, Bologna seized the win in the 91st when Rowe acrobatically converted after Vanja Milinkovic-Savic could only parry Juan Miranda’s fierce shot.
Napoli remained in second place, two points ahead of Juventus and three above AC Milan and Roma. Inter Milan has already secured the league title.
The defeat was a bitter blow for Napoli, who twice showed resilience to claw their way back into the contest but were ultimately undone by Bologna’s relentless attacking intent and late surge.
In a match packed with drama, momentum swings and moments of individual brilliance, Bologna once again demonstrated why they have emerged as one of the most entertaining sides in Serie A this season.
For Napoli, the result not only dents their hopes of finishing strongly behind champions Inter Milan but also increases the pressure in an increasingly crowded race for the top positions, with Juventus, AC Milan and Roma all breathing down their necks heading into the final two rounds.
Bologna, meanwhile, will take immense confidence from such a spirited away victory. (AP)
