Udinese 1-1 Napoli: Late Isaac Success strike rescues point for struggling hosts

Napoli were held to a 1-1 draw at lowly Udinese in Serie A on Monday, with forward Isaac Success scoring in stoppage time to cancel out Victor Osimhen's header.

Napoli, who are now winless in four games, have moved up to eighth place with 51 points from 35 games, nine points behind fifth-placed Atalanta and sixth-placed AS Roma.

Last year's champions have only won once in their last eight Serie A games.

After a forgettable first half in which neither team managed a shot on goal, Osimhen nodded home to put Napoli ahead in the 51st minute.

Matteo Politano delivered a lofted cross from the right into the middle of the box, and the Nigerian striker headed it home off the left post for his 15th league goal of the season.

He was on the verge of adding a second when Stanislav Lobotka fed him a neat low pass into the box, but Udinese keeper Maduka Okoye was faster to the ball.

Osimhen thought he had doubled the lead in the 80th minute, but his attempt was ruled out for offside.

Udinese, led by new coach Fabio Cannavaro, who was hired two weeks ago, were under pressure for most of the game and managed only two shots on goal.

This, however, was enough to save a point, as Success equalised in stoppage time, netting from a Thomas Kristensen header.

Udinese had only two points from their previous 15 Serie A matches against Napoli.

They remained 18th in the standings with 30 points, two points shy of the safety zone.

SportsLigue