Despite starting their Serie A title defence with high hopes, Napoli’s challenge for back-to-back crowns is faltering. A frustrating 0-0 home draw against Parma has now made it three straight stalemates for the defending champions. The result leaves fans with a sense of unease, as Napoli remain third in the standings, tied on 40 points with AC Milan, but lingering six points behind table-toppers Inter Milan. This stumbling run—highlighted by missed opportunities and squandered leads—could soon see the Partenopei lose sight of their title dream if something doesn’t change quickly.
The echoes of anticipation at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona were quickly dampened by another game of dominance but lacking a killer edge. After drawing 2-2 with both Hellas Verona and the mighty Inter in previous weeks—coming back from behind on both occasions—Napoli supporters hoped their team would finally take decisive control on home turf. Instead, it was another case of chances created but not converted.
Early moments and missed opportunities
Napoli set the tempo early, looking to press their advantage and break Parma’s resistance. The first notable chance arose for Scott McTominay, the midfielder with a hero’s touch in the last match against Inter, where he netted both goals. This time, his half-volley was steered just wide after a defence-splitting pass from Giovanni Di Lorenzo—an early warning shot that rallied the crowds. Minutes later, the stadium erupted as McTominay found the net, only for celebrations to be cut short by a VAR intervention. In a cruel twist, the goal was chalked off for an offside earlier in the move.
“These are the type of games where you need to score as quickly as possible, open the match up, and then it becomes a completely different match,” reflected defender Amir Rrahmani. “We definitely need to be quicker, more decisive, bring more quality to our play going forward, not always two touches, sometimes just one.” His sentiment echoed across the stands—a team brimming with talent, left just shy of opening the floodgates time and time again.
Parma’s keeper steals the spotlight
The night, however, belonged to Parma’s rookie shot-stopper, Filippo Rinaldi, making his club debut in the most daunting of settings. His performance was nothing short of sensational:
- Point-blank save from Alessandro Buongiorno’s powerful header, denying Napoli a crucial opener.
- Quick reflexes to parry Rasmus Hojlund’s shot on the turn, showing nerves of steel.
- Commanding presence, even as Noa Lang and others tried to unsettle him during set pieces.
Highly impressed yet characteristically understated, Parma manager Carlos Cuesta said, “There is nothing to thank, we make the choices we think are right. We thought Filippo was ready for a great performance, so it proved.” Rinaldi’s heroics frustrated Napoli further and sent Parma into halftime sensing an unlikely point might be there for the taking.
Late drives, substitutions, and growing tensions
The second half brought added drama and a growing sense of urgency for Napoli. Rasmus Hojlund was presented with a golden opportunity when Rinaldi mishandled the ball after an awkward collision with his own defender, but hesitancy allowed Parma to clear. Seeking a spark, coach made a triple substitution, injecting Leonardo Spinazzola, Eljif Elmas, and David Neres, yet the anticipated breakthrough never arrived.
Napoli’s efforts devolved into half-chances—shots from McTominay and Stanislav Lobotka sailed harmlessly wide or straight into Rinaldi’s grateful arms. Defending deep, Parma resorted to tactical time-wasting in the closing stages, for which Rinaldi drew a yellow card, but were otherwise rarely troubled.
Reflection: What next for Napoli?
Napoli’s third consecutive draw raises pointed questions about their creative spark and mental sharpness when under pressure. Is this a mere blip in their championship defence, or a sign of deeper tactical issues? With crucial points slipping away and competition intensifying at the top, every missed chance and every draw feels heavier.