Napoli Edge Pisa in Five-Goal Serie A Thriller

Napoli Extend Perfect Serie A Start with Dramatic Win

Napoli continued their impressive run in the 2025-26 Serie A campaign by overcoming Pisa 3-2 in a pulsating encounter on Monday, September 22. The reigning champions, under the guidance of Antonio Conte, have now collected 12 points from their opening four matches, placing them at the summit of the league. This latest victory not only underscores Napoli’s ambitions to defend their title but also highlights the resilience and depth within their evolving squad.

Lucca’s Late Strike Secures All Three Points

Lorenzo Lucca, Napoli’s recent acquisition, emerged as the hero of the evening. The 24-year-old striker, signed during the summer transfer window, made an immediate impact by scoring the decisive goal in the 82nd minute. Lucca’s powerful finish not only marked his first goal for the club but also provided a timely reminder of his potential to become a key figure in Napoli’s attack this season.

Conte’s decision to introduce Lucca in the second half paid dividends, as the forward capitalized on a defensive lapse from Pisa to seal the win. The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona erupted in celebration, with fans hopeful that Lucca’s arrival will add a new dimension to Napoli’s offensive play.

Billy Gilmour Opens His Serie A Account

The match also saw Billy Gilmour make his first Serie A start for Napoli. The Scottish midfielder, who joined from Brighton earlier in the summer, made an instant impression. In the first half, Gilmour found space on the edge of the box and curled a precise left-footed shot into the bottom corner, registering his maiden Serie A goal.

Gilmour’s performance was characterized by composure and vision, attributes that have made him a standout talent in European football. His ability to dictate the tempo in midfield provided Napoli with much-needed control against a spirited Pisa side. Conte praised Gilmour’s adaptation to Italian football, emphasizing the importance of integrating new signings into the squad’s tactical framework.

Pisa’s Spirited Response Under Gilardino

Despite being newly promoted, Pisa demonstrated remarkable determination throughout the contest. Managed by former Italian international Alberto Gilardino, Pisa refused to be overawed by their illustrious opponents. Twice, they managed to claw their way back into the match.

The first equalizer came from M’Bala Nzola, who confidently converted a penalty after a clumsy challenge in the box. Nzola’s composure from the spot brought Pisa level, momentarily silencing the home crowd. Later, Leonardo Spinazzola produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a long-range strike that left Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret with no chance. Spinazzola’s goal showcased Pisa’s attacking intent and their willingness to take risks against the champions.

However, despite their resilience, Pisa ultimately fell short. The defeat leaves them near the bottom of the Serie A table, but their performance against Napoli suggests they possess the quality to compete at this level.

Conte Balances Domestic and European Ambitions

Napoli’s triumph over Pisa came just days after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League. Manager Antonio Conte acknowledged the physical and mental demands placed on his squad, especially with the added pressure of defending the Scudetto.

Conte expressed satisfaction with his team’s response, highlighting the importance of patience as new players adapt to his tactical philosophy. “We are carrying the weight of the Scudetto on our shirts, and that brings extra responsibility,” Conte remarked post-match. He emphasized the need for squad rotation and careful management of player fitness, given the congested fixture schedule.

The Italian tactician also praised the mental fortitude displayed by his players, particularly in overcoming setbacks during the match. “It’s crucial to remain focused and united, especially when we face adversity. The league is a marathon, not a sprint,” Conte added (Football Italia).

Key Takeaways and Looking Ahead

Napoli’s victory over Pisa serves as a testament to their championship pedigree and squad depth. The emergence of new signings like Lucca and Gilmour bodes well for the club’s prospects, both domestically and in Europe. With four wins from four, Napoli have set the early pace in Serie A, but Conte will be mindful of the challenges that lie ahead.

For Pisa, the narrow defeat is a reminder of the fine margins in top-flight football. Gilardino’s side showed enough quality and fighting spirit to suggest they can avoid relegation, provided they maintain this level of performance throughout the season.

As the Serie A campaign gathers momentum, all eyes will be on Napoli to see if they can sustain their perfect start and mount a successful title defense. The integration of new talent, coupled with Conte’s experience, could prove decisive in the months to come (Gazzetta dello Sport).

Conclusion

Napoli’s 3-2 victory over Pisa was a showcase of attacking football, resilience, and tactical acumen. As the champions continue their quest for back-to-back titles, performances like this will be crucial in building momentum and confidence. For the fans, the thrilling encounter offered a glimpse of what promises to be another exciting Serie A season.