Gennaro Iaccarino converted a last minute penalty to add to Alessandro Spavone’s opening goal of the match as Napoli U19 defeated Cesena U19 in the Azzurrini’s first home match of the season.
Spavone opened the scoring in the 12th minute after Pasquale Marranzino played him in behind the Cesena back line. Spavone calmly dribbled around goalkeeper Lorenzo Pollini before rolling the ball into the back of the empty goal. That was Napoli’s first goal of the 2022/23 campaign after losing their opening match 2-0 to Lecce.
Cesena, who won Primavera 2B last season to earn promotion to Primavera 1, dominated play and created numerous chances but struggled to hit the target. However, the bianconeri persisted and equalized in the 78th minute.
Nicolò Amadori received the ball in the area with his back to goal. The striker twisted and turned to shake off the Napoli defenders before curling a left-footed shot beyond an outstretched Valerio Boffelli and into the top corner at the far post.
The match appeared to be heading for a draw, but in the 89th minute Cesena central defender Sebastian Elefante fouled Matteo Marchisano in the area and Napoli were awarded a penalty. Iaccarino stepped up and converted what was ultimately the match winner.
With the win, Napoli picked up their first three points of the season. The Azzurrini will be back in action on Tuesday to take on Sassuolo.
