Napoli beat Bologna as Lobotka ends losing run with winner

Napoli finally halted their difficult run with a 1-0 victory over Bologna on Sunday, as Stanislav Lobotka's second-half strike gave Massimiliano Allegri's side a much-needed three points.

The Partenopei arrived at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona after three consecutive defeats against Como, Inter and Arsenal, with injuries further stretching their squad.

Bologna were also struggling, having collected just one point from their opening three matches. Their problems deepened in Naples as Lobotka's goal settled a closely contested game.

Napoli survive difficult spell to beat Bologna

Napoli started brightly, with Antonio Vergara going close inside the opening three minutes after connecting with a Kevin De Bruyne cross.

Bologna then thought they had taken the lead when Arthur Theate met a long Lewis Ferguson free-kick, but the defender's header was ruled out for offside.

De Bruyne remained heavily involved as Napoli searched for an opening. The Belgian saw an effort from the edge of the area blocked, while Rasmus Hojlund came close with a diving header that skimmed an open goal from Matteo Politano's cross.

Both sides continued to create opportunities, with Vergara and Federico Bernardeschi testing the goalkeepers.

Lobotka breaks the deadlock

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 66th minute.

Costantino Favasuli pulled the ball back from the by-line, and Lobotka surprised Marco Libra before turning his finish through teenage goalkeeper Massimo Pessina's legs from six yards.

The goal gave Napoli the advantage they had been searching for and provided a major lift after their difficult run of results.

Pessina then prevented Napoli from extending their lead when he rushed from his line to keep out Hojlund's attempted dink following a Lobotka pass.

Bologna struggle to find an equaliser

Bologna struggled to create a sustained response after falling behind.

The visitors finally threatened during the closing stages, with Samuel Mbangula firing straight at Milinkovic-Savic before Enem headed another opportunity over the bar.

Favasuli also tested the Napoli goalkeeper after Bologna made an error while attempting to play out from the back.

Napoli were not entirely comfortable in the closing stages, but they held on to secure the victory.

De Bruyne injury scare adds to Napoli concerns

Napoli's victory was accompanied by another concern when De Bruyne was involved in a heavy challenge during the second half.

The Belgian had already played a prominent role in Napoli's attacking moves, surging through the middle before his eventual attempt was blocked by Arthur Theate and Lewis Ferguson.

The result nevertheless provided some relief for Allegri after a difficult period for the Partenopei.

Bologna's scoring problems continue

Bologna's defeat leaves them with just one point from four Serie A matches.

Their lack of goals remains a major concern, with the side failing to score in three of their four games.

Several absences also weakened Bologna's squad for the trip to Naples, while goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski was dropped after arriving late to a team meeting and replaced by teenager Pessina.

Napoli, meanwhile, can take confidence from a hard-fought victory that stopped their three-game losing streak.

SportsLigue