Napoli defeated Juventus 2-1 in Serie A, marking Juve’s first league loss. Napoli’s win and Conte’s remarks on his team style were the highlights.
Napoli secured a significant 2-1 victory against Juventus, marking Juventus’ first Serie A defeat of the season. The match, held at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, was a closely contested affair, with both teams showcasing their strengths. Juventus took the lead with a goal from Randal Kolo Muani, who was making his debut following a transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. However, Napoli responded with goals from André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and a Romelu Lukaku penalty to seal the win.
The victory propels Napoli to the top of the Serie A table, three points ahead of Inter, although they have played one game more. This win has instilled a sense of belief among Napoli fans, especially after their recent six-game winning streak in Serie A. The team’s recent form suggests they are serious contenders for the Scudetto, and a second title in three seasons is within reach. Napoli has shown great tactical prowess, which has been evident in their last six games. Napoli coach Antonio Conte has been critical of the lack of praise for his side, stating that his team plays ‘European style’ football.
Juventus, on the other hand, have struggled to maintain consistent performances. Before the Napoli defeat, they had drawn three of their last four Serie A matches. Despite being unbeaten in the league before this match, they have recorded a league-high 13 draws in all competitions this season. They also lost to Milan in the Italian Super Cup, indicating that they are not impenetrable. Coach Thiago Motta was brought in for a more possession-based style of play, but that has not fully translated into results yet.
In other European league action, Real Madrid defeated Real Valladolid 3-0, with Kylian Mbappé scoring a hat-trick. Atlético Madrid drew 1-1 with Villarreal, where Samuel Lino equalized after a controversial penalty converted by Gerard Moreno. Bayern Munich won against Freiburg 2-1, with goals from Harry Kane and Kim Min-jae. Bayer Leverkusen drew 2-2 with RB Leipzig, despite a two goal lead. Borussia Dortmund also drew 2-2 with Werder Bremen, despite having only ten players on the field. In Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain drew 1-1 with Reims, while Monaco defeated Rennes 3-2. The European leagues witnessed several exciting comebacks and high-scoring games.
Antonio Conte’s post-match comments revealed his frustration with the perception of Napoli’s style of play. He emphasized that Napoli plays with high intensity and pressure, contrary to claims that they only rely on a deep defense and counter-attacking tactics. Conte’s remarks highlight his desire for his team to receive the credit he believes they deserve for their tactical approach. Furthermore, Conte addressed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain, wishing him well while expressing his disapproval of the long negotiations his agents had with the French club, asserting that no player is indispensable.
Before the match, betting predictions favored Napoli to beat Juventus and also suggested that Bayer Leverkusen would win their game against Leipzig with over 2.5 goals. These predictions reflected the form of the teams, with Napoli in impressive form and Leverkusen experiencing a resurgence. Leverkusen have won their last eight matches in the league, and their high intensity pressing game has been pivotal to their success. The overall results in the leagues showcase the unpredictable nature of football and the dynamic shifts in team performances, adding to the excitement of the ongoing season.
Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jan/25/european-football-napoli-juventus-bayern-munich-leverkusen
https://www.racingpost.com/sport/football-tips/european-football/saturdays-serie-a-and-bundesliga-predictions-and-free-football-tips-aEsFf0e97uIv/
https://football-italia.net/conte-hits-out-at-critics-of-napoli-style/