Napoli’s goalless contest with Frosinone turned on a penalty, a change of taker and a clear intervention from Massimiliano Allegri on the touchline.
Quick facts
- The score was 0-0 when Rasmus Hojlund won a penalty for Napoli.
- Hojlund’s first attempt was saved by Frosinone goalkeeper Palmisani.
- The kick was ordered to be retaken because Palmisani did not have both feet on the goal line.
- Kevin De Bruyne converted the repeat to give Napoli the lead.
- Allegri celebrated by throwing his jacket, before Hojlund joined him.
Hojlund took responsibility for the initial spot-kick, despite Allegri’s calls from the Napoli bench for De Bruyne to take it. The forward’s effort was stopped by Palmisani, leaving Napoli briefly frustrated in a match that had yet to produce a goal.
The save did not stand, however. The Frosinone goalkeeper had moved off the line before the ball was struck, leading to the decision for the penalty to be taken again.
There was no second discussion over the taker. Allegri instructed De Bruyne to step forward, and the Belgian made no mistake from 12 yards to put Napoli ahead.
The goal brought an immediate release on the Napoli bench, with Allegri throwing his jacket in celebration. Hojlund, disappointed after his first miss, went to the coach after De Bruyne’s conversion to celebrate and apologise for his earlier decision.
It was a small but revealing moment in Napoli’s afternoon: a forward eager to take the burden, a coach insisting on the designated authority, and De Bruyne providing the finish when the chance returned.
