Anguissa nets dramatic late winner for Napoli
Napoli snatched a last-gasp 1-0 victory at home to Cagliari in Serie A as Frank Anguissa’s late strike salvaged three points in a largely frustrating game for Antonio Conte's defending champion.
Deep into stoppage-time, Alessandro Buongiorno picked out Anguissa with a precise ball across the box and the unmarked midfielder slotted home the winner.
After a lacklustre first half that produced few clear openings, the second period was also subdued.
Leonardo Spinazzola went close for the hosts just before the hour mark, but former Napoli goalkeeper Elia Caprile dived low to make a one-handed save.
Napoli kept pouring forward, however, and Scott McTominay’s stoppage-time strike was gathered by Caprile before Anguissa delivered the knockout blow.
"We worked as a team and we need to continue like this. We're focusing on ourselves. We're always here for the fans and we'll do everything we can to always win at home," Anguissa said after the match.
"It was a difficult match because Cagliari defended very well, but we fought and won."
Conte was pleased to see his players rewarded for their persistence.
"It was your typical game where you run the very big risk of defeat," he said.
"I would've even been happy with the 0-0 because we played as a real team, with patience, trying to find the way through.
"It felt like the goal was cursed. While Cagliari were very, very intense, I didn't expect them to be this defensive. We did not allow them counter-attacks, which was the most important thing, as when you are dominating like that, you run the risk.
"We are improving in terms of concentration and intensity, we believed to the end, and were rewarded with the winner 20 seconds from the end. I am very happy."
Napoli is set to boost its attacking options with Rasmus Hojlund due to arrive on loan from Manchester United, while Eljif Elmas is reportedly nearing a return to the club from RB Leipzig.
Conte understands the need to increase squad depth, given his side's return to the UEFA Champions League. It will face Manchester City in a mouthwatering clash on 19 September (AEST).
"I've said that we signed players who can give us a hand for the present, and will be the future of Napoli, too," he said.
"We have tried to grow and complete the squad because, last season, we didn't have European competition, so we were based around 12 to 13 players."
