Napoli claims comeback win in rain-delayed Genoa clash

Napoli's Serie A meeting with Genoa was temporarily suspended due to heavy rain, but Carlo Ancelotti's side emerged victorious.

Dries Mertens celebrates after scoring against Genoa.

Napoli came from behind to beat Genoa 2-1 in a Serie A clash that was temporarily suspended due to heavy rain.

With the Copa Libertadores final between Boca Juniors and River Plate having been put back to Sunday due to a waterlogged pitch , it looked like Saturday's encounter at the Luigi Ferraris was destined for a similar fate when play was halted 13 minutes into the second half.

A few snaps from a wet night in Genoa!
#GenoaNapoli 1-2
@SerieA
#ForzaNapoliSemprepic.twitter.com/ARsigO7zz6

— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) November 10, 2018

 

The delay lasted 10 minutes but, after a pitch inspection, play resumed and Napoli levelled when Dries Mertens used the sodden surface to his advantage to tee up Fabian Ruiz with a subtle flick.

That goal cancelled out Christian Kouame's opener, and the turnaround was completed when Davide Biraschi slipped in Genoa's six-yard box and deflected a free-kick into his own net four minutes from time.

The home side insisted a foul had been committed but, after some initial confusion, the goal was allowed to stand, and Napoli held firm to secure a win that moves it to within three points of leader Juventus, which faces AC Milan on Sunday.